An Unusual Vein of Deposited Rock on Mars
December 13th, 2011
What could create this unusual vein of rock on Mars?
A leading hypothesis is that
this thin rock layer dubbed "Homestake" was deposited by a running liquid -- like most
mineral veins are here on Earth.
And the
running liquid of choice is water.
Therefore, this mineral streak -- rich in calcium and sulfur -- is the latest in the growing body of evidence that part of
Mars had a watery past.
This, in turn, increases the speculation that
Mars was once hospitable to life.
Pictured above is a vista taken near the western rim of
Endeavour Crater by the
Opportunity rover currently exploring Mars.
The
inset image shows a close up of the recently discovered mineral vein.
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