These strange funnels on Mars might be cauldrons for alien life

November 14, 2016

Scientists have analyzed a strange depression on the surface Mars, and say it could be the perfect place to search for signs of life, because it could contain three key ingredients for life: water, heat, and nutrients.

The funnel-shaped structure looks like the ancient ‘ice cauldrons’ we have on Earth, that formed when volcanoes erupted under the ice sheets of Iceland and Greenland. If the same process occurred on Mars, it could have left behind a warm, nutrient-rich environment.

“We were drawn to this site because it looked like it could host some of the key ingredients for habitability – water, heat and nutrients,” said lead researcher Joseph Levy, from the University of Texas.

Business Insider, Nov. 11, 2016

The Houston Chronicle, Nov. 11, 2016

The Daily Mail, Nov. 11, 2016

Fox News, Nov.11, 2016

The Space Reporter, Nov. 9, 2016

Science Alert, Nov.11, 2016

Featuring: Joseph Levy, research associate, The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences