Swiss Scientists Solve Mars' Red Dust Mystery

University of Bern researchers discover ferrihydrite as key component of Martian dust, suggesting more widespread presence of water in planet's history.

Key Takeaways

University of Bern researchers identified ferrihydrite as the cause of Mars' red dust
Ferrihydrite formation requires the presence of water
The discovery suggests more widespread presence of water on Mars than previously thought

By The Numbers

4.45 billion years

Age of earliest water traces on Mars

They Said

"The result shows that Mars rusted when there was plenty of liquid water on the planet"
— Adomas Valantinas

"This is an essential prerequisite for life"
— Adomas Valantinas

Breakthrough Discovery

Scientific Details

Implications for Mars Research

Swiss Research Excellence

Sources & References

Mystery of red Martian dust solved by Swiss researchers

SWI swissinfo.ch