Mars May Have Liquid, Briny Water Near its Surface

Mars may just have liquid water. Scientist have found that it's possible the liquid water could exist close to the surface of the Red Planet.

Scientists have long known that there is water in the form of ice on Mars. However, it was long thought that liquid water may not be possible. Now, researchers have discovered that it may be present due to the presence of perchlorate.

"We have discovered the substance calcium perchlorate in the soil and, under the right conditions, it absorbs water vapor from the atmosphere," said Morten Bo Madsen, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Our measurements from the Curiosity rover's weather monitoring station show that these conditions exist at night and just after sunrise in the winter. Based on measurements of humidity and the temperature at a height of 1.6 meters and at the surface of the planet, we can estimate the amount of water that is absorbed."

When night falls, some of the water vapor in the atmosphere condenses on the planet surface. Calcium perchlorate, though, is very absorbent and forms a brine with the water. This means that the freezing point is lowered and frost can turn into a salty liquid.

Researchers have already found evidence that liquid water once flowed on Mars' surface. Now, scientists may have found how liquid existed and, in theory, may still exist today.

Even though liquid water is possible on Mars, it's still not certain whether any life exists on the Red Planet. Mars is still too dry, too cold, and has too much cosmic radiation battering it for life to have it easy.

The findings are published in the journal Nature.

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