Coral-Like Rocks Found on Mars: A Clue to Ancient Water Presence

NASA has discovered coral-shaped rocks on Mars, believed to have been formed by water.

– Since liquid water is essential for life on Earth, it might have been the same on Mars, says Göran Östlin, professor of astronomy at Stockholm University.

Mars, alongside Earth, is one of the most explored planets in our solar system, with NASA having robots on site since 2012. Yet, many questions remain unanswered.

At the end of July this year, several coral-shaped rocks were found and photographed on the planet. These unusual rock formations are a few centimeters in size and are thought to have been formed by flowing water billions of years ago.

– These are fantastic images that truly stimulate the imagination, says Göran Östlin, professor of astronomy at Stockholm University.

"Not Signs of Life"

But has there been life on Mars? That question remains unanswered. The findings themselves do not answer the question many are asking.

– According to NASA, the coral-like formations were likely formed by running water, a long time ago, and then eroded. They are not signs of life in themselves. However, since liquid water is a prerequisite for life on Earth, it might have been the same on Mars, says Göran Östlin.

NASA has previously discovered coral-shaped rock formations on Mars, but the recent findings are different in shape.