Attention has recently turned to a series of intriguing pits on Mars after an image captured by the HiRISE camera in 2022 resurfaced.
These features, located on the slopes of ancient volcanoes in the Tarsis region, have sparked renewed interest in their potential scientific significance, Science Alert reports.
The Tarsis region, known for hosting some of the largest volcanoes in our solar system, is home to these pits, or "skyscrapers," which are thought to be the result of the earth collapsing over underground lava tubes.
Although Mars is no longer volcanically active, the existence of these lava tubes presents intriguing opportunities for future research.
Brandon Johnson, a Purdue University geophysicist who specializes in impact craters in the solar system, suggests that these skyscrapers could serve as entrances to vast underground networks. "These lava tubes, if similar to those on Earth, could offer safe havens for astronauts, shielding them from harmful radiation," Johnson explains. However, the actual depth and extent of these pits remain uncertain.
Ross Beyer, a planetary scientist at the SETI Institute, added that on Earth, lava tubes vary greatly in size, with some large enough to pass through, while others are small or discontinuous. This variability means that pits on Mars can lead to extensive cave systems or isolated sinkholes. "We won't truly understand their nature until we conduct detailed studies," Beyer notes.
Exploring these Martian pits is not just about potential human missions. These structures may hold important keys to understanding extraterrestrial life and the geological history of Mars. The mysterious nature of these pits and their potential to harbor life-supporting environments make them a priority for future science missions. | BGNES
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