Mars’ red color may be related to a habitable past: study

A recent study suggests that the reddish color of Mars may be linked to its potentially habitable past. The study found that a mineral called ferrihydrite, which forms in the presence of cool water, is likely the primary contributor to the planet's distinctive hue. Ferrihydrite is a hydrous iron oxide that typically forms when iron-rich water is exposed to the atmosphere, indicating the possible existence of liquid water on Mars in the past. This finding supports the idea that the planet may have been more hospitable to life at some point in its history. The researchers analyzed data from various Mars missions and found that the distribution of ferrihydrite on the planet's surface corresponds with the regions that appear reddish. This provides further evidence that the mineral is responsible for the planet's characteristic color. The study highlights the potential for using the planet's color as a clue to understanding its past climate and geological history, which could have implications for the search for signs of past or present life on Mars.