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Recently, NASA scientists have made a major discovery: they have found flowing water on Mars. In the past scientists have examined satellite images of the surface and noticed dark streaks, called slope lineae. Upon further examination, these dark streaks were determined to be left behind by water flows, judging by the hydration of minerals at the site.

 

 

These water flows happen on a seasonal basis; during the warmer seasons water flows down the slopes, and presumably freezes during the colder season. “This is tremendously exciting,” says NASA scientist James L. Green. But why exactly is the presence of water on Mars so exciting? The answer is simple. Water is an essential ingredient for life, allowing the earliest lifeforms, such as small microbes, to survive. Water acquires nutrients from cells and acts as a medium to deliver them throughout the body, as well as helping our metabolism. It serves the same role in almost every form of life on Earth. However, some creatures, such as the microscopic tardigrade, need significantly less water than other creatures, and could survive in very hostile environments with minimal water supply – like the surface of Mars.

 

 

This raises the question: could similar forms of life exist on Mars? Scientists give a strong “maybe” to this question. Mars has one of the main ingredients for life, and this alone is worth getting excited about. Many in the science community believe we should investigate further to discover life. “I can't imagine it won't be a high priority within the scientific community” says John Grunsfield of NASA, in reference to sending a spacecraft to Mars at some point to investigate these water flows and life.

 

 

The concrete discovery of flowing water on Mars is a phenomenal discovery, and is good evidence that life may exist outside of Earth. For now, all we can do is wait and see what future discoveries will hold for us.