Swiss Researchers Solve Mars' Red Color Mystery

University of Bern study suggests Mars' distinctive red dust indicates more widespread presence of water in planet's past

The distinctive red color of Mars is caused by the iron mineral ferrihydrite.
Ferrihydrite formation requires the presence of water, indicating Mars 'rusted' during a wet period.
The study was published on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

4.45 billion years

Age of water traces

"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

Swiss Science Cracks the Red Planet's Code

The distinctive red color of Mars is caused by the iron mineral ferrihydrite.
Ferrihydrite formation requires the presence of water, indicating Mars 'rusted' during a wet period.
The study was published on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

4.45 billion years

Age of water traces

"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