Debrіѕ from а hаbіtаble аlіen рlаnet fаllѕ іnto the Sаhаrа

A Stunning Meteorite Fragment from Mars – Image: NASA

A recent publication in the journal Science Advances confirms that the birthplace of the meteorite NWA 7533 is none other than Mars, where human spacecraft equipped with autonomous devices are striving for exploration. Professor Takashi Mikouchi from the University of Tokyo, the lead researcher, unveiled that NWA 7533 is indeed a treasure trove. Results gathered through four types of spectral analysis have unveiled an astonishing revelation: direct evidence of water that once existed on the red planet.

This comes through the process of magma oxidation, only possible with the presence of water atop Igneous rock fragments within the meteorite, where an impact event on the extraterrestrial surface sufficiently melted a part of its crust. This also contributed to the planet’s warming after the formation of a dense insulating atmosphere of carbon dioxide 4.4 billion years ago – also the meteorite’s age. This warming aided Mars in achieving a state conducive to sustaining liquid water and a water cycle akin to Earth’s. Thus, this is not only the closest evidence of ancient water on the red planet, but also signifies water’s existence there for a staggering 4.4 billion years, longer than the previously estimated 3.7 billion years. Water could have been a byproduct generated in the young Mars’ evolutionary process.

This meteorite, along with another numbered NWA 7034, were both discovered in 2012. Both were cross-referenced with samples collected by spacecraft currently operating on Mars, demonstrating they were fragments “traveling” from this planet to Earth. The research team took a sample for analysis.

The fortunate results reaffirm Mars’ potential for habitability, even if it might have been ancient life, serving as encouragement and orientation for ongoing and forthcoming quests for life on the red planet. Water is a crucial condition for nurturing life. Additionally, we should remember: Mars is a Goldilocks “habitable zone” planet of the Solar System, much like Earth.