A seemingly strange depression has been discovered on Mars that could hold the key to finding proof of aliens or extra-terrestrial life on the planet.
Scientific initiatives and theories were proposed to solve the mystery of alien's life. Neighboring planet Mars has been a good spot for finding the answer and projects have being undertaken to do the same.
According to Science World Report, R&D reported the possibility that peculiar depression on the Red Planet is a good place to look for proof of Martian life.
The depression was found near the rim of Hellas Basin and was formed by a volcano beneath a glacier. The scientists said the area has the requirements that could harbor microbial aliens due to its warm and chemical rich component ideal for primitive forms of life.
According to Sci-News, Dr. Joseph Levy, a researcher at the University of Texas said, "We were drawn to this site because it looked like it could host some of the key ingredients for habitability- water, heat, and nutrients."
Another depression in the Galaxias Fossae region of Mars had a similar appearance.
"These land-forms caught our eye because they're weird looking," Dr. Levy said.
"They're concentrically fractured so they look like a bulls-eye. That can be a very diagnostic pattern you see in Earth materials."
The analysis revealed that both Hellas and Galaxias depressions shared an unusual funnel shape, with a broader perimeter that gradually narrows with depth.
"That surprised us and led to a lot of thinking about whether it meant there was melting concentrated in the center that removed ice and allowed stuff to pour in from the sides," Dr. Levy said.
"Or if you had an impact crater, did you start with a much smaller crater in the past, and by sublimating away ice, you've expanded the apparent size of the crater."
"The Hellas depression has many signs of volcanic origins. It lacks the surrounding debris of an impact and has a fracture pattern associated with concentrated removal of ice by melting or sublimation."
"The interaction of lava and ice to form a depression would be an exciting find because it could create an environment with liquid water and chemical nutrients, both ingredients required for life on Earth," Dr. Levy added.
The Hellas depression should be kept in mind when looking for habitats on Mars.
