Scientists revealed the secrets of ancient Martian volcanoes

An international team of researchers has made a breakthrough in studying the geological history of Mars. Jezero Crater, where the Perseverance rover is currently operating, presented scientists with an amazing discovery - its floor is formed from diverse iron-containing volcanic rocks. The results of this research, capable of changing our understanding of the Red Planet's evolution, have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Science Advances.

For the study, specialists utilized the advanced equipment of the Perseverance rover, including the high-precision X-ray spectrometer PIXL. These instruments allowed them to examine Martian rocks with previously unavailable detail.

"This mission represents a real breakthrough," emphasizes scientist Michael Tice. "For the first time in the history of Mars exploration, we are not just photographing the surface, but conducting a full chemical analysis of rocks directly on site."

Detailed analysis of the samples revealed that the crater's rocks were formed as a result of complex volcanic processes, surprisingly similar to those on Earth. Researchers discovered clear signs of interaction between magma and iron-containing rocks of the Martian crust. These findings indicate that the Jezero Crater area may have been a zone of prolonged volcanic activity - a factor potentially creating conditions for the origin of life.

The scientific team is particularly looking forward to the opportunity to deliver the collected samples to Earth. This ambitious task will be implemented as part of a joint program between NASA and the European Space Agency over the next decade. Specialists are confident that laboratory studies of Martian rocks on Earth will not only allow deeper examination of their structure but also possibly discover long-awaited evidence of ancient biological activity on the Red Planet.