Orbiter Detects Signs of Activity on Mars

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1. 33m ago

   ExoMars Orbiter Detects Hydrogen Chloride Hinting at Active Volcanism on Mars

   New analysis of 2021 data from the European-Russian ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals seasonal hydrogen chloride releases above Martian volcanic rifts, suggesting magma may still flow beneath the surface. Published in Science Advances, the findings challenge the long-held view that Mars is geologically dead. An international research team links the gas detections to possible active volcanism near the planet's largest volcanoes. The discovery implies ongoing geological activity that could sustain subsurface habitats.

   Why it matters

   Mars has been considered geologically inactive for billions of years, with its major volcanoes classified as dormant or extinct. Detecting hydrogen chloride, a gas associated with volcanic processes on Earth, provides the strongest orbital evidence yet for present-day magmatic activity. If confirmed, this reshapes assessments of the planet's internal heat budget and its potential to harbor microbial life in warm, chemically rich environments below ground.

   What is confirmed

   • The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter collected data in 2021 showing hydrogen chloride in the Martian atmosphere.
   • An international team published the findings in the journal Science Advances.
   • The hydrogen chloride detections are seasonal and localized above volcanic rifts.
   • Researchers interpret the gas as a possible sign of active magma beneath the surface.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The gas emissions originate specifically from the planet's largest volcanoes.
   • Mars volcanoes are merely sleeping rather than dead.
   • Active volcanism would boost the chances of finding life on Mars.

   What to watch next

   • Follow-up observations by ExoMars or other orbiters to confirm recurring seasonal signals
   • Laboratory studies simulating Martian conditions to test non-volcanic hydrogen chloride sources
   • Future missions targeting volcanic regions for direct subsurface sampling
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. in.mashable.com — Oppo Reno 17, Reno 17 Pro Launch In November 2026: Expected Features And Specifications
   2. earthsky.org — Active volcanoes on Mars? Noxious gas discovery says — maybe
   3. Futurism — Orbiter Detects Signs of Activity on Mars
   4. National Geographic — Something Weird is Seeping Out of Mars
   5. ScienceAlert — A Stinky Gas Seeping From The Bowels of Mars May Reveal The Planet Is Still Volcanically Active
   6. Mashable — Mars volcanoes might just be playing dead, new detection suggests
   7. New Scientist — Evidence of active volcanoes on Mars may boost chances of finding life
   8. futurism.com — Orbiter Detects Signs of Activity on Mars - Futurism
   9. tech.yahoo.com — Norway Deploys Over 2,000 Underwater AI Laser Robots to Eliminate Salmon Lice
   10. article.wn.com — Orbiter Detects Signs of Activity on Mars - WorldNews
   11. dnyuz.com — Orbiter Detects Signs of Activity on Mars - DNyuz
   12. science.slashdot.org — Orbiter Detects Signs of Possible Volcanic Activity on Mars - Slashdot
   confidence 90%