How Mars' ancient lakes grew shields of ice to stay warm as the Red Planet froze

Space.comWednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:00:00 PM
NeutralScience
How Mars' ancient lakes grew shields of ice to stay warm as the Red Planet froze
  • Recent findings suggest that ancient lakes on Mars developed ice shields to maintain warmth, potentially explaining how liquid water persisted on the planet despite a colder climate. This discovery sheds light on Mars' hydrological history and its capacity to support water in various forms.
  • Understanding the mechanisms that allowed liquid water to exist on Mars is crucial for comprehending the planet's past climate and its potential for hosting life. This knowledge could inform future exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.
  • The presence of ice and water on Mars ties into broader discussions about the planet's geological history, including the implications of lightning activity, ancient water traces in unique surface features, and the potential for human survival using Martian ice as a resource.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Massive supernova explosion may have created a binary black hole
PositiveScience
A recent study suggests that a massive supernova explosion may have led to the formation of a binary black hole, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of massive stars. This finding highlights the complex processes involved in stellar evolution and the eventual creation of black holes.
NASA X-ray instrument finds black holes act like 'cosmic seesaws' shaping the universe
PositiveScience
NASA's X-ray instrument has discovered that black holes behave like 'cosmic seesaws,' influencing the dynamics of their accretion flows in a manner described as an energetic tug-of-war. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions occurring within black holes and their surroundings.
Satellite sees snowy Greenland peaks from space | Space photo of the day for Jan. 14, 2026
NeutralScience
A recent satellite image captured snowy peaks in Greenland, highlighting the region's significant influence on local climate patterns. This observation underscores the ongoing changes in the Arctic environment as climate dynamics evolve.
Viruses may be more powerful in the International Space Station's microgravity environment
NeutralScience
Research indicates that viruses may exhibit enhanced capabilities in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS), suggesting that microgravity influences viral evolution in ways that remain largely unexplored.
'Backward and upward and tilted': Spaceflight causes astronauts' brains to shift inside their skulls
NeutralScience
Recent research indicates that spaceflight causes astronauts' brains to shift within their skulls, potentially altering their cognitive functions and overall mental state during missions. This phenomenon highlights the profound effects of microgravity on human physiology.
We may be witnessing the messy death of a star in real time
NeutralScience
Astronomers are observing the red giant star R Leonis as it exhibits an increasingly rapid dimming and brightening pattern, signaling the potential end of its life cycle. This phenomenon, described as the star's 'heartbeat,' has been monitored for over two centuries, and recent changes suggest a messy demise may be imminent.
Experts push back against cancellation of NASA's Mars sample return project
NegativeScience
Exploration advocates are expressing strong opposition to the planned cancellation of NASA's Mars sample return project, emphasizing its potential to uncover evidence of life on Mars. This initiative has been a focal point for scientists eager to explore the Red Planet's history and its capacity to support life.
Mystery shockwave around dead star stuns astronomers: 'We found something never seen before and entirely unexpected.'
PositiveScience
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery involving a mysterious shockwave surrounding a dead star, which has produced a spectacular nebula. This unexpected phenomenon challenges previous assumptions about discless systems in space, leading to a rare moment of astonishment within the scientific community.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about