Mars' Hidden Methane Deposits Could Be Underneath the Crust, Host Alien Life

Researchers link methane on Mars to underground habitats potentially suitable for life.

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 3 January 2025 12:09 IST

Mars' Hidden Methane Deposits Could Be Underneath the Crust, Host Alien Life

Photo Credit: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

Mars, as seen in daily images from NASA's MOC, shows detailed surface views

Highlights

Methane detected on Mars suggests potential for life underground
Acidalia Planitia identified as a prime location for exploration
Study links Martian conditions with Earth’s methane-producing microbes

Researchers have pinpointed potential locations on Mars where life may exist, focusing on deep underground regions where methane has been detected. Seasonal methane variations observed by rovers on the planet's surface have intrigued scientists for years, sparking questions about the Red Planet's potential to host life. Mars presents extreme conditions, including subzero temperatures, a thin atmosphere, and high exposure to cosmic radiation. Despite these challenges, areas beneath the surface might offer a habitable environment for certain microorganisms.

Mars Methane and Analogous Earth Environments

According to a study published in the journal Astrobiology, analogues of Martian habitats were studied on Earth, focusing on environments where methanogens—microbes producing methane as a byproduct—thrive.

Potential conditions analogous to Mars include microscopic fractures in deep bedrock, subglacial freshwater lakes, and highly saline deep-sea basins. Methanogens have been identified in such conditions on Earth, suggesting similar life forms could potentially survive beneath Mars' surface.

Astronomers reveal new insights into the CIZA0107 galaxy merger

Acidalia Planitia: A Key Region of Interest

The research highlights Acidalia Planitia, a vast plain in the Martian northern hemisphere, as a primary candidate for exploration. Data suggests that liquid water, essential for life, may exist 4.3 to 8.8 kilometres beneath the surface in this region. Conditions such as temperature, salinity, and hydrogen availability in Acidalia Planitia align closely with those supporting methanogens on Earth.

Future Exploration Challenges and Opportunities

Drilling into the Martian subsurface presents significant technical challenges but holds promise for uncovering potential microbial life. As per the researchers, identifying specific regions like Acidalia Planitia narrows the scope for future missions, enhancing the likelihood of discovering extraterrestrial life. This work underscores the value of studying Earth's extreme environments to inform the search for life on Mars.

This research has advanced understanding of where to look for life on Mars, providing critical insights for upcoming exploratory missions.

Astronomers reveal new insights into the CIZA0107 galaxy merger

ISRO Successfully Launches Two SpaDeX Satellites

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.