In a groundbreaking revelation, NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered compelling data confirming the existence of ancient lake sediments on the Martian surface. Join us as we delve into the details of this historic discovery, shedding light on Mars' watery past and its implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. Don't miss out on the latest chapter in space exploration – subscribe now for more cosmic updates!
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#WateronMars #Mars #MarsExploration #ScienceandSpace #Science #Scientists #Rover #PerseveranceRover #NASA #Oneindia
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00:00 In a significant discovery, NASA's rover Perseverance has acquired data affirming the
00:08 presence of ancient lake sediments in a massive basin on Mars known as Jezero Crater.
00:15 The study, published on Friday, January 26, reveals findings from ground-penetrating radar
00:21 observations conducted by the robotic rover.
00:25 The observations support earlier orbital imagery and data reinforcing scientists' theories
00:30 that parts of Mars was once submerged in water, raising the possibility of past microbial
00:36 life.
00:38 Conducted by teams from the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA, and the University
00:44 of Oslo, the research, published in the journal Science Advances, utilized subsurface scans
00:50 captured by the car-sized rover Perseverance.
00:54 Over several months in 2022, the rover transverse the Martian surface moving from the crater
01:00 floor to an adjacent area featuring braided, sedimentary-like formations resembling Earth's
01:07 river deltas when viewed from the orbit.
01:10 Utilizing soundings from the rover's RIMFAX radar instrument, scientists gain insight
01:16 into the Martian subsurface, obtaining a cross-sectional perspective of rock layers extending 65 feet
01:23 that is about 20 meters deep.
01:26 Described by UCLA planetary scientist David Page as akin to looking at a road cut, these
01:33 layers present clear evidence of soil sediments carried by water and deposited at Jezero crater
01:40 and its delta, mirroring the processes observed in Earth's lakes.
01:45 The findings solidify Earth's hypothesis, suggesting that Mars, now cold and arid, was
01:50 once warm, wet, and potentially habitable.
01:55 Looking ahead, scientists eagerly anticipate a detailed examination of Jezero's sediments
01:59 believed to have originated around 3 billion years ago through samples collected by Perseverance
02:06 and future transport to Earth.
02:08 This latest study serves as a reassuring validation, affirming that scientists embarked on their
02:13 geobiological Mars mission in the right location.
02:17 The surprising discovery of volcanic rock in early core samples near Perseverance's
02:23 landing site, initially expected to be sedimentary, does not contradict the recent findings.
02:29 Even the volcanic rocks exhibited signs of alternation due to water exposure, suggesting
02:34 that sedimentary deposits may have eroded that time.
02:39 The RIMFAX radar readings disclosed evidence of erosion both before and after the formation
02:45 of sedimentary layers at the crater's western edge, unveiling a complex geological history.
02:51 UCLA planetary scientist David Page expressed the positive development, emphasizing the
02:57 significance of now encountering evidence of lake sediments on the delta, aligning with
03:02 their primary objectives for selecting this location.
03:06 It's a promising chapter in the ongoing exploration of Mars.
03:10 [Music]