Martian caves may provide shelter for future Mars explorers
5 Nov 2009, 1615 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, November 5 Scientists at the US Geological Survey (USGS) have detected a series of depressions on Mars that may harbor caves beneath them, which could provide shelter for future Mars exploration missions.

The depressions were detected by the USGS Astrogeology Science Center using high-resolution images conveyed through Mars-orbiting satellites.

Scientists believe some of these caves were created from a massive volcano, when solid ceilings of cooled material formed over lava channels during ancient volcanic eruptions.

Sections of these ceilings collapsed at some point to form the observed skylight entrances, or caves.

These caves could also shed light on whether microbial life forms have ever existed on the Red Planet. (ANI)

Related Latest

Students may get temporary photo I-cards: EC Killer bees may have nasty sting, but they aren't too smart Economic cooperation to be at forefront of future India-US ties Don't consider me future PM, says Rahul Gandhi C N R Rao, H K Dua may get Rajya Sabha nomination India may import rice, if necessary, says Pranab Mukherjee Tibetan art and manuscripts found in Himalayan caves linked to mythical "Shangri-La" Some obese people may have misperception of body size New discovery may lead to improved asthma drugs Genes may determine our ability to empathize

Related Latest

Firecracker hub Sivakasi wants another 'a' in its name Delhi records season's lowest temperature Maoist violence and corruption are key election issues for people Delhi hosts Kazakhstan-India Travel and Tourism Fair Manmohan Singh to leave for US today Gas explosion traps 139 coal miners in north-east China Top global jazz musicians to play in capital Green lifestyle statement: Bangalore kids cycle to school Mumbai remains extremely vulnerable: Shobhaa De (One Year After 26/11) A show that will go into people's past lives

• Firecracker hub Sivakasi wants another 'a' in its name
• Delhi records season's lowest temperature
• Maoist violence and corruption are key election issues for people
• Delhi hosts Kazakhstan-India Travel and Tourism Fair
• Manmohan Singh to leave for US today

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights