Research3 sources

Mars' Molten Heart is Long Gone, but Some Magma Chambers May Persist

The Brief · written from 3 sources

Researchers report detections of hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas within about 6 miles (10 km) of one of Mars' largest volcanoes.
The study was published Nov. 4 in Science Advances.
The Trace Gas Orbiter detected HCl at a time of year when, according to the sources, volcanic origins are the most plausible explanation; new surface fissures were also identified.

Why it matters

If confirmed, the HCl detections would suggest that some volcanic or magma activity may still be ongoing on Mars, which changes how scientists think about the planet's geological history and internal heat.

Who’s affected

planetary scientists
Mars mission researchers

#mars
#volcanism
#hydrogen chloride
#trace gas orbiter
#planetary science

Mars may be more volcanically active than we thought, according to new research. The Trace Gas Orbiter detected HCl, a chemical associated with magma, at a time of year that's difficult except by volcanic origins. The new research also identified new surface fissures on Mars that…

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