Mars salt deposit discovery points to a new place to hunt for life's ancient traces

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This image provides higher-resolution views of a site where another observation indicates the presence of chloride salt deposits. Image Credit: NASAJPL-CaltechUniversity of ArizonaArizona State UniversityUniversity of Hawaii
This image provides higher-resolution views of a site where another observation indicates the presence of chloride salt deposits. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Arizona State University/University of Hawaii

Scientists using a Mars-orbiting camera designed and operated at Arizona State University's Mars Space Flight Facility have discovered the first evidence for deposits of chloride minerals - salts - in numerous places on Mars. These deposits, say the scientists, show where water was once abundant and may also provide evidence for the existence of former Martian life.


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All News summaries for March 20, 2008

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