Liquid Water Found on Mars

Scientists have discovered a pool of liquid water in the crust of Mars, pointing at the fact that large volumes of it "transiently existed on the surface of Mars more than 3 billion years ago."

While we knew there was frozen water on the planet, this is the first time it's been found in liquid form.

As reported by BBC, the findings come from the data delivered by NASA's InSight Lander, which had a seismometer and recorded quakes deep within Mars. Analyzing the speed of seismic waves, scientists concluded they travel through reservoirs of water about 20km (12 miles) in the crust.

"These are actually the same techniques we use to prospect for water on Earth, or to look for oil and gas," said Professor Michael Manga, who was part of the research.

This is important for understanding the "evolution of the climate, surface and interior," but it could also affect attempts to inhabit Mars. 

"Drilling a hole 10km deep on Mars – even for [Elon] Musk – would be difficult," Professor Manga told BBC News.

Moreover, this might help further the research of prior (or current) life on Mars.

"Without liquid water, you don't have life," said Professor Manga. "So if there are habitable environments on Mars, those may be now deep underground."

Now, the researchers assume there are similar reservoirs across the planet, and if true, it means Mars has enough liquid water to create a layer across the surface more than half a mile deep, according to BBC.

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