Researchers have found evidence of an existing body of liquid water on Mars.

What they believe to be a lake sits under the planet's south polar ice cap, and is about 20km (12 miles) across.

Previous research found possible signs of intermittent liquid water flowing on the martian surface, but this is the first sign of a persistent body of water on the planet in the present day.

How was it found?

Radar instruments like Marsis examine the surface and immediate subsurface of the planet by sending out a signal and examining what is bounced back.

The continuous white line at the top of the radar results above marks the beginning of the South Polar Layered Deposit; a filo pastry-like accumulation of water ice and dust.

Beneath this, researchers spotted something unusual 1.5km under the ice.

"In light blue you can see where the reflections from the bottom are stronger than surface reflection. This is something that is to us the tell tale sign of the presence of water," says Prof Orosei.

What does this mean for life?

Dr Manish Patel from the Open University explained: "We have long since known that the surface of Mars is inhospitable to life as we know it, so the search for life on Mars is now in the subsurface.

"This is where we get sufficient protection from harmful radiation, and the pressure and temperature rise to more favourable levels. Most importantly, this allows liquid water, essential for life."

This principle of following the water is key to astrobiology - the study of potential life beyond Earth.

So while the findings suggest water is present, they don't confirm anything further.

"We are not closer to actually detecting life," Dr Patel told BBC News, "but what this finding does is give us the location of where to look on Mars. It is like a treasure map - except in this case, there will be lots of 'X's marking the spots."

What Next

While its existence provides a tantalising prospect for those interested in the possibility of past or present life on Mars, the lake's characteristics must first be verified by further research.

"What needs to be done now," explained Dr Matt Balme from the Open University, "is for the measurements to be repeated elsewhere to look for similar signals, and, if possible, for all other explanation to be examined and - hopefully - ruled out.
"Maybe this could even be the trigger for an ambitious new Mars mission to drill into this buried water-pocket - like has been done for sub-glacial lakes in Antarctica on Earth," he added.
Scientists have previously claimed to find bacterial life in the buried depths of Antarctica's Lake Vostok, but drilling on Mars would make for an ambitious project indeed.

"Getting there and acquiring the final evidence that this is indeed a lake will not be an easy task," said Prof Orosei.
"It will require flying a robot there which is capable of drilling through 1.5km of ice. This will certainly require some technological developments that

This is such great news. Raine69 ...pack your things...we're moving to Mars.

This particular lake, however, would not be drinkable, and lies almost 1.5 kilometres beneath the icy surface in a harsh and frigid environment.

Whether microbial forms of life lie within is a matter of debate. Some experts are sceptical of the possibility since the lake is so cold and briny, and mixed with a heavy dose of dissolved Martian salts and minerals.

Italian researcher speaks about the development during a conference in Rome.

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-44952710

https://www.perthnow.com.au/technology/space/massive-lake-discovered-on-mars-leading-scientists-to-think-there-could-be-life-on-the-red-planet-ng-5b34617cc75b13ae463b0d8c3aa58bdc

we still import ballons during christmas

Scientists are just wasting their time for nothing but to validate the existence of a creator!
The earth will not be left to totter...soon very soon God will bring to ruin those ruining the earth.

All this researches is because mans greed and the quest to make the front page of Forbes magazine has led to the decimation of earth's atmosphere and seem to make Earth unsafe for human life in the near future going by the current trend of things.

okachie1:
Scientists are just wasting their time for nothing but to validate the existence of a creator!

Doesn't this mean they are not wasting their time for nothing?

The earth will not be left to totter...soon very soon God will bring to ruin those ruining the earth.

1. Who are those?

2. Why is bringing ruin so important to God?

3. What is the importance of this nonsense?

All this researches is because mans greed and the quest to make the front page of Forbes magazine has led to the decimation of earth's atmosphere and seem to make Earth unsafe for human life in the near future going by the current trend of things.

You are an idiot

johnydon22:

Doesn't this mean they are not wasting their time for nothing?

1. Who are those?

2. Why is bringing ruin so important to God?

3. What is the importance of this nonsense?

You are an idiot

Hmm... Every mallam with his own kettle. .
Dominique lalasticlala

Vianna:

Hmm... Every mallam with his own kettle. .
Dominique lalasticlala

U dey mind those atheists?. However nice development. I've always believed life exists in other forms outside not just earth bit this galaxy.

Greyworld:
we still import ballons during christmas

Nigerian has a space agency tho .. But very very.... One was commenting on the eclipse to happen tomorrow last week. I seem better than that guy. The guy doesn't sound like someone that's knowledgeable.