Researchers from the Italian Space Agency made a revolutionary discovery when they found liquid water beneath the polar ice caps of Mars. The MARSIS (Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding instrument) radar system detected the water in July, 2018, when the system measured radar pulses transmitted through the ice caps and returned positive results.

This data shows the development of a body of liquid water beneath the surface of Mars. The results showed a formation existing a mile below the surface and 12.5 miles across. According to Ashley Strickland of CNN, “there hasn’t been evidence of stable bodies of water [on Mars] until now.” The discovery’s nature makes it incredibly exciting. Liquid water, which plays an extremely important role when discussing creatures, can also hold signs of past or future life. While life is possible, no such discoveries have been made yet.

Due to the water’s whereabouts, temperatures can drop below what humans would consider livable. Enduring the environment, the water stays liquid, and does not freeze. This ability is not uncommon, and similar instances exist on Earth.

Bodies of water beneath Antarctica and Greenland experience similar conditions. These lakes form a brine with minerals in the Earth which allows them to freeze at much lower temperatures. These factors seem to present themselves on Mars. Even with minimal signs of life, there is still the possibility for primitive life forms to exist.

This prospect excites many in the science community, such as Hall High senior Rithik Rayi: “With the recent developments there is a new frontier to explore for future developments.” Hopefully this discovery will inspire many as the future grows closer. Space exploration can expand infinitely with an increase in interest level. What makes the discovery of liquid water on Mars important? This is the next big step into the future of space exploration.