Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Vast Ocean Once Covered Half of Mars

Valley network points to rainy, humid ancient planet

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2009 2:05 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – A single huge ocean fed by rivers once covered much of the northern half of Mars, according to a new analysis of the planet's network of valleys. The researchers say their computer analysis—which replaces maps hand-drawn from satellite images in the '90s—shows that Mars was once much rainier and more humid than initially believed, making the existence of life much likelier.

"All the evidence gathered by analyzing the valley network on the new map points to a particular climate scenario on early Mars," the lead researcher tells the Telegraph. "It would have included rainfall and the existence of an ocean covering most of the northern hemisphere, or about one-third of the planet's surface."

The network of valleys on Mars indicates that there was once a vast northern ocean, according to new research.
The network of valleys on Mars indicates that there was once a vast northern ocean, according to new research.   (AP Photo/NASA )
The shape of valleys on Mars makes it hard to imagine they could have been caused by anything but rain-fed rivers, say scientists.
The shape of valleys on Mars makes it "hard to imagine" they could have been caused by anything but rain-fed rivers, say scientists.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
ende
Nov 26, 2009 6:47 AM CST
Why is it that every single astronomical observation has to come coupled with some speculation on the feasibility of 'life'? Yes, the origin of life is a fundamental question that we desperately want to explore. But must every single scientific endeavor into the cosmos be merely a means to that end? Isn't the idea of a wet Mars interesting in of itself? Sorry, peeve topic of mine.
Robert_Dada
Nov 26, 2009 1:41 AM CST
"A single huge ocean fed by rivers once covered much of the northern half of Mars, according to a new analysis of the planet's network of valleys." But then, over the years, the Martian population turned more and more conservative in their political beliefs and began to refute science and embrace religion as science. Soon, the planet warmed and eventually died; as did all the conservative Martians. I love happy endings.
Fondue
Nov 26, 2009 1:10 AM CST
But it's completely fakeable.

 
Mars • planet • ocean

More Newser Stories

'Large Regions' of Mars Are Habitable

NASA Will Try to Free Rover Stuck on Mars

Big Catch in Pakistan: Giant Whale Shark

'Super Earth' Spotted, Might Support Life

Giant Crustacean Found in Ocean Trench
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne