Scientists May Have Finally Solved The Mystery Behind Mars’ Red Color
ForbesFEB 19
The presence of ferrihydrite in Mars' dust provides compelling evidence that the planet once had abundant liquid water and potentially habitable conditions. The mineral's formation requires specific environmental conditions, including cool temperatures and liquid water, suggesting Mars had a more hospitable past than previously understood.
The traditional view that Mars' red color comes from hematite formed under dry conditions through slow chemical weathering processes better aligns with the planet's current state. This explanation doesn't require assuming the existence of past wet conditions and fits with the current understanding of Mars as a cold, dry world.