New Research Reveals Ancient Mars May Have Been Warm, Wet – and Possibly Alive

Analysis of kaolinite pebbles in Jezero crater shows chemical signs of alteration by persistent rainfall under modest temperatures.

The study suggests parts of Noachian-era Mars experienced sustained warm, wet conditions rather than short-lived impact-driven melting.

Authors say these wet intervals could have lasted thousands to millions of years, improving Mars' past habitability prospects.