Mars’ Jezero Crater Was Repeatedly Habitable, New Study Finds

New research from Rice University reveals that Mars’ Jezero crater—currently being explored by NASA’s Perseverance rover—experienced multiple episodes of habitability over billions of years.

🧪 Minerals Tell the Story
Using high-resolution geochemical data from Perseverance’s PIXL instrument, scientists identified 24 types of minerals in volcanic rocks that had been altered by liquid water. These minerals formed under different environmental conditions, indicating three distinct periods when the crater could have supported life.

🌡️ From Acidic to Friendly Waters
Early water in Jezero was hot and acidic, but later episodes featured cooler, more neutral conditions—ideal for microbial life. This shift suggests Mars had a dynamic climate and geological history, with changing conditions that may have supported life more than once.

🔍 Why It Matters
The discovery strengthens the case for ancient life on Mars and guides future sampling missions. Eleanor Moreland, lead author of the study, said: “There were several times in Mars' history when this location hosted environments potentially suitable for life”.

🚀 Perseverance’s Role
Launched in 2020, the Perseverance rover landed in Jezero crater in 2021. It continues to collect samples and analyze Martian rocks, helping scientists understand the Red Planet’s past and its potential for life.

📚 Source:

• Phys.org – Mars research reveals multiple episodes of habitability
• EarthSky – Jezero crater repeatedly habitable

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