SMRTR Science & EngineeringFeb 25, 2025The Register

The red color of Mars might have an earlier, wetter origin

SMRTR summary

Mars' red color likely comes from ferrihydrite, an iron oxide containing water, rather than dry hematite as previously thought. This suggests Mars "rusted" earlier when liquid water was more prevalent on its surface, potentially impacting theories about the planet's habitability and environmental history.

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