Metallic wonders in Mars' Mawrth Vallis: New findings by esa

The European Space Agency (ESA) has revealed that large quantities of iron, magnesium, and aluminum are present in the Mawrth Vallis valley on Mars. This information was gathered using ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) satellite data.

ESA experts remind us that the surface of Mars is rich in iron oxides and minerals containing iron, contributing to its distinctive red color.

Thanks to advanced technology, we can detect more than just iron on Mars. Cameras operating in different electromagnetic wavebands, such as the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) instrument on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, have identified additional elements.

These cameras have found large deposits of other metals, not just iron, in the Mawrth Vallis valley. Images from these cameras show zones containing clay rich in magnesium and layers abundant in aluminum.

The Mawrth Vallis Valley attracts planetologists for many reasons. Water once flowed through this area, making it particularly intriguing. Therefore, this region has been selected as the target site for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, which is currently under construction and will complement the orbiter.

The rover's main task is to search for signs of life on Mars. The TGO orbiter has been orbiting Mars for six years, providing valuable data about the planet's surface.

During this time, TGO has delivered detailed images of various formations on Mars, such as volcanic formations, giant dunes, and "dust devils"—whirlwinds that span several miles and lift dust into the air.

Engineers from the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) contributed to developing the CaSSIS camera aboard the ExoMars probe. Researchers from the University of Bern in Switzerland invited them to collaborate, which was a significant honor for them.