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Recent research casts doubt on the possibility of liquid water existing on Mars, a longstanding goal of planetary exploration. Mars’ harsh conditions—frigid temperatures, a thin atmosphere, and minimal water vapor—make the presence of liquid water highly improbable, as it would quickly freeze, boil, or evaporate. While features such as recurring slope lineae (RSL) and the existence of potential brines have sparked interest, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges these findings. Co-authored by researchers Vincent Chevrier and Rachel Slank, the paper argues that RSLs may simply result from sand and dust flows rather than water-related activity.
Chevrier emphasizes the public’s misunderstanding of liquid water research on Mars, noting that the evidence for brines is insufficient. Although brines, particularly those high in salts like perchlorates, could theoretically remain liquid at lower temperatures, the study concludes that limiting factors significantly hinder their presence and stability in Martian conditions. Moreover, even if brines existed, they would be inhospitable by Earth’s standards. The researchers stress the importance of improving detection tools and focusing on finding brines, highlighting Mars as a cold and uninhabitable desert, despite the ongoing quest for life.