When you think of Mars, what color comes to mind? For most, it’s the rusty red hue of our neighboring planet. However, in a recent post, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared photos that show Mars in an entirely new light, stunning viewers.
“Mars: More than just red. Sure, Mars looks rusty from Earth, but space cameras reveal a surprising rainbow. This image from our ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter shows layers of yellow clays (containing iron and magnesium), white and blue aluminum deposits, and dark eroded rock,” ESA wrote. They further explained the details of the photos.
“Welcome to Mawrth Vallis. Once filled with liquid water, it is a treasure trove of minerals. It was even considered a landing site for our ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, searching for signs of past life (Oxia Planum was ultimately chosen),” the space agency added.
The post concluded with the timeless question, “Does Mars hold the secrets of ancient life?”
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Shared only a few hours ago, the post has garnered over 4,600 likes, with numbers continuing to rise. It has also attracted numerous comments from people.
What did Instagram users say about these photos of Mars?
“This is incredible… we’re in for some real surprises across the universe,” an Instagram user posted. Another person commented, “What! Such crazy detail.”
A third expressed, “Why is it looking more and more like home, right?” while a fourth wrote, “It looks like a lake.” Many reacted to the post using fire emojis.
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Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, is the most easily spotted in the night sky. Dry and rocky, it is the most explored body in the solar system.