Does this hole on Mars hide life?

This Sunday, NASA published an intriguing photo of a gaping hole opening on the side of a Martian volcano. The researchers explain that it corresponds to the entrance to a cave. A cave in which traces of life could be found.

Every day, the Nasa (United States) publishes its photo of the day. This Sunday 1er March, the American space agency chose to honor the photo of a mysterious hole discovered on Mars in 2011. On the dusty slopes of the giant shield volcano, Pavonis Mons. An image captured by chance by the camera High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) on board Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Traces of mining activity on Mars?

On closer inspection, NASA researchers saw a well of light opening onto a cave of wash. According to them, the hole could be explained as follows. Lava flows can sometimes freeze on the surface while the lava continues to flow below, in lava tunnels. But when it withdraws, it creates lava caves. And if pieces of surface collapse, it opens a skylight.

Analyzes show that the hole measures approximately 35 meters in diameter. The heap of rubble collapsed visible through the opening is located at a depth of 28 meters. A digital model has also allowed researchers to estimate the height of this pile of debris at least 62 meters. What to conclude with a initial depth of the cave some 90 meters.

A protected environment

Thus, this hole does not represent a trace of the presence of life on Mars, but a remnant of ancient volcanic activity on the red planet. However, this training has interested researchers since its discovery because they would like to finally clarify the details of the process behind its appearance, but also because it has piqued the curiosity of those seeking signs of life on Mars.

On the surface of the red planet, indeed, living conditions are harsh. In particular, the planet is bombarded with harmful radiation. But, under the protection of these lava caves, the environment could be conducive to shelter forms of life. Holes like that of Pavonis Mons are therefore prime targets for possible missions to probe Mars in search of life.

Some even plan to exploit such lava caves to establish underground bases for the settlers who will be sent to the Red Planet in the future. Provided they are easily accessible. What does not seem to be the case with that of Pavonis Mons.

A new cave discovered on Mars

A very dark spot in the sandy terrain of Mars has been identified as a deep hole or a cave entrance, according to scientists working on the images transmitted by the probe. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) from NASA.

Article by Jean Etienne published on 07/06/2006

This geological singularity, which appears in a circular form 100 meters in diameter, is located in a lava plain covered with dust to the northeast of Arsia Mons, one of the four giant volcanoes of the Tharsis mountain range of the Red Planet.

No trace of ejecta appearing around this formation, the researchers immediately eliminated the hypothesis of an impact crater. No detail is visible inside, which shows only a uniformly black area, and whose walls escape the illumination of the Sun. These must therefore be vertical and extremely dark, or more probably overhanging. Image processing specialists working on HIRiSE camera data (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) of MRO believe that the hole must be very deep so as not to reflect the ambient light of Martian day, everywhere very bright.

Scientists have already developed an observation program so that HIRiSE can take advantage of the next passages of the probe near this strange formation and provide other images. Alfred McEwen, of the University of Arizona in Tucson, one of the researchers involved in the program, explains that on certain occasions, MRO will benefit from a more favorable angle of illumination. resolution details inside the hole. "In particular we want to get images at an oblique angle facing west, in order to try to see the walls", he adds.

Training of this type could constitute an ideal shelter to support a form of life or serve as habitat for future astronauts. Scientists also see it as easier access for direct exploration and drilling, and could be used to extract ice or gas, or even various minerals.

Last April, the THEMIS instrument (Thermal Emission Imaging System) of Mars Odyssey had detected seven dark spots apparently similar, which had already been foreseen as caves or cave entrances, and it therefore seems that the phenomenon is far from being exceptional on the planet.

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Mars, the Red Planet soon within human reach Human beings have been exploring Mars, the Earth's little sister with tragic fate, for more than half a century. This long saga of missions is told to us here, showing how the face of the Red Planet has become clearer. The fantasies of yesteryear were followed by disappointment at first glance, in 1965. The renewed interest returned to the evidence of an eventful history, as we like. Secrets, enigmas and mysteries await us there, now that the idea of ​​a new human adventure on this world so close becomes clearer.

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