European Orbiter Spots Signs of Volcanic Activity on Mars

At a glance

The European Space Agency's Mars orbiter TGO detected gas that appears to rise from beneath the Martian surface. It suggests Mars's interior may not be fully cooled. Researchers think the gas comes from hot magma underground.

Key points

1. 1

   Hydrogen chloride gas was seen rising from cracks near the Alba Mons volcano.

2. 2

   The gas spikes in early summer, which seasonal changes alone do not explain.

3. 3

   The cracks appear to be blocked by ice in winter, and the gas escapes when the ice turns to vapor in early summer.

4. 4

   The team published the findings in the journal Science Advances.

Why it matters

The finding suggests Mars may have had volcanic activity until recently, and possibly still does. It helps scientists understand the planet's interior.