A recent study has a potential answer to the reason behind Mars’s Red Colour.

Key Highlights of the Study

• The study aims to understand the ancient Martian climate, the chemical processes on Mars (ancient and present) and the habitability question.
• Published In: ‘Journal Nature Communications’
• Conducted By: The Research is a coordinated effort between NASA’s (Strategic Science of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center) and its international partners.
• Method: Data was analyzed from combining,
  • Orbital observations: From instruments on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, ESA’s Mars Express and Trace Gas Orbiter
  • Ground Level Measurements: From NASA rovers like Curiosity, Sojourner, and Opportunity.
  • Simulated Lab Experiments: The results were compared lab experiments testing how light interacts with ferrihydrite particles and other minerals under simulated Martian conditions.

Key Findings of the Study

• The presence of water-rich iron mineral ferrihydrite in Martian Dust has been found to give Mars its red colour.
  • Ferrihydrite was found everywhere in the Martian dust and also probably in the rock formations, as well.
• Martian winds spread this dust everywhere creating the planet’s iconic red appearance.

Significance

• Water Rich Mars: Ferrihydrite can form in the presence of cool water at lower temperatures, thus providing evidence that Mars was once water rich.
  • Ferrihydrite can only form in conditions where oxygen from air or other sources and water can react with iron
• Principles of Mineral Formation: The study gives us a better chance to apply principles of mineral formation and conditions to tap back in time.
• Space Research: It underlines the significance of coordinated research to explore fundamental questions about our solar system and the future of space exploration.