Discovery of ancient riverbeds suggests Mars once wetter than thought
The Guardian - ScienceWednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:05:03 PM
Scientists have uncovered evidence of ancient river systems stretching over 10,000 miles across Mars’s southern highlands—a region previously thought to be dry. These riverbeds, dating back more than 3 billion years, suggest the planet was once much wetter than we imagined, reshaping our understanding of its watery past.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about dusty old riverbeds—it’s a big clue in the puzzle of whether Mars could have supported life. If water was more widespread than we realized, the chances of finding signs of past (or even present) microbial life go up. Plus, it helps us picture what Mars looked like billions of years ago: less barren desert, more flowing rivers. For future missions, that means targeting new spots where life might have left traces.
— Curated via WP Now’s
