NASA Discovers Evidence Of Flowing Water On Mars

Scientists have reported that Mars appears to have flowing streams of salty water, at least in the summer time. This is a finding that could have major implications for the possibility of life on the planet. 

Scientists in 2008 confirmed the existence of frozen water on Mars. But the latest observations (according to researchers) from an instrument aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, strongly support the long-time theory that salt water in liquid form flows down certain Martian slopes each summer.

This morning (NZ time) NASA held a news conference at its Washington headquarters and streamed announcements from twitter with the hashtag #MarsAnnouncement and #askNASA.

Water! Strong evidence that liquid water flows on present-day Mars. Details: http://t.co/0MW11SANwL #MarsAnnouncement pic.twitter.com/JNksawz2iN

— NASA (@NASA) September 28, 2015

Because water is essential to life, the findings could boost the notion of life on Mars. The researchers said in the journal Nature Geoscience that further exploration is warranted to determine whether any microscopic life exists on the planet.

The source of the water is still a mystery. Scientists noted it could be melting ice, an underground aquifer, water vapor from the thin Martian atmosphere, or some combination.

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