Recent discoveries on Mars suggest the planet might have been far more Earth-like in the past than previously believed, with evidence indicating the presence of an oxygen-rich atmosphere. Rocks found by NASA’s Curiosity rover, particularly rich in manganese oxide, hint at conditions that could have supported life.
Manganese oxide, abundant in Earth’s history, is crucial for oxygen production, a process linked to the emergence of early life. On Mars, however, the origin of manganese oxide poses a puzzle. Its formation typically requires abundant oxygen or microbial activity, neither of which is strongly evidenced on the Red Planet.
The Curiosity rover’s exploration of Gale crater unveiled these peculiar rocks, suggesting a possible transition from river channels to lakeshores. The elevated levels of manganese oxide imply a geological process akin to what’s observed in Earth’s shallow lakes.
While some scientists see these findings as supporting Mars’ habitability in the past, others caution against assuming an oxygen-rich environment. Alternative explanations, such as chemical reactions involving elements like chlorine and bromine, may also account for manganese oxide formation on Mars.
This ongoing debate underscores the complexities of Mars’ geological and environmental history, shedding light on its potential for hosting life, whether oxygen-dependent or not.
