"Scientists identified two dozen types of minerals that show a dynamic history of volcanic rocks altered by interactions with liquid water in the Jezero Crater. They said this indicated that Jezero hosted habitable environments on more than one occasion. The water chemically transformed the rocks into salts and clay minerals, revealing three distinct episodes of fluid activity. The first involved localized high-temperature acidic water, harsh and least favorable for life. The second formed under moderate, neutral conditions, providing more hospitable environments over a larger area."
"Jezero Crater, a 28-mile-wide region on Mars, has been explored by NASA's Perseverance rover since its landing in February 2021 in the search for signs of ancient life. Evidence from the rover confirms that the crater was once home to an ancient lake and river delta, with discoveries including unusual rock formations and organic molecules. The latest research suggests that conditions suitable for life may have occurred multiple times throughout Mars' history."
Perseverance rover exploration of Jezero Crater identified two dozen minerals indicating volcanic rocks altered by liquid water. Mineral assemblages show chemical transformation into salts and clays and reveal three distinct fluid‑alteration episodes. The first episode involved localized, high‑temperature acidic water conditions that were harsh and least favorable for life. The second episode occurred under moderate, neutral conditions across a wider area and provided more hospitable environments. The third episode produced widely distributed, low‑temperature alkaline conditions considered highly suitable for life. Jezero hosted an ancient lake and river delta, and rover findings include unusual rock formations and organic molecules.
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