ExoMars TGO Detects Mars Magma Gas Over 4 Years, Hinting at Habitable Vents
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · Nov 4
ExoMars TGO Detects Mars Magma Gas Over 4 Years, Hinting at Habitable Vents
3 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · Nov 4
Summary
A Science Advances study says ExoMars TGO found the strongest atmospheric evidence yet that dormant Martian volcanoes are releasing gas, after spotting a localized hydrogen chloride signal near Alba Mons.
Four Earth years of targeted observations showed the gas appearing locally and out of season, then fading below detection — a pattern researchers say fits a burst from subsurface magma better than normal atmospheric chemistry.
Scientists traced the likely source to fissures around Alba Mons, where hot magma beneath the regolith could be venting through cracks; sulfur and other expected volcanic markers were not clearly seen.
The findings complement NASA InSight seismic evidence for Martian magma and raise the possibility of hydrothermal-vent-like niches, though researchers said life would require stable favorable conditions for millions of years.