City-size 'cosmic butterfly' carved into Mars' surface contains traces of ancient water

Live ScienceTuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:06:26 PM
PositiveScience
City-size 'cosmic butterfly' carved into Mars' surface contains traces of ancient water
  • The European Space Agency has unveiled new images of a unique crater on Mars, resembling a butterfly, which is believed to have been shaped by ancient water and buried ice. This striking feature, characterized by its smooth, rocky wings, highlights the planet's geological history and the presence of water in its past.
  • This discovery is significant as it enhances understanding of Mars' climatic and geological evolution, suggesting that the planet may have once harbored conditions suitable for life. The findings could inform future missions aimed at exploring Mars' potential for past life.
  • The presence of water on Mars, indicated by the butterfly crater, aligns with recent discoveries of lightning and unusual rock formations on the planet, suggesting a dynamic atmosphere and varied climatic conditions. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that Mars may have once been a more hospitable environment, prompting ongoing scientific inquiries into its potential to support life.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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