NASA scientists have found what they believe is definitive proof of the existence of liquid water on the planet, in the form of dark streaks found in images on the surface of Mars. The images, taken from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), depict what is believed to be seasonal rivers of brine appearing during relatively warmer weather, carving gullies into the surface.
The migration of salt has been identified by an image spectrometer, which has determined that a likely cause of the movement is flowing water. The origin of the flow, which is predominantly subsurface, has yet to be determined, with theories that it may originate from either the atmosphere or the Martian crust.
Unfortunately, NASA has not yet been able to investigate exactly whether or not the dark streaks are, in fact, water. The Curiosity rover, while only being about 50 kilometres away from the site, cannot legally approach the site due to fear of contaminating it with Earth-originating particles. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, of which there are 104 countries participating, serves to govern current space missions. It contains provisions for the prevention of contamination of extraterrestrial resources. As NASA cannot completely guarantee that the rover is at an acceptable level of sterilisation, it must be very cautious, especially concerning water. For the time being, investigations must be carried out from afar. At the very least, the images provide insight on where to look.
The discovery of liquid water carries with it several implications. Thus far, the only planet on which it has been found is our own. With the colonization of Mars becoming increasingly possible in the (relatively) near future, the discovery could help to determine prime landing points for development.
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