Earth and Mars are two planets whose destinies could have been remarkably similar but instead diverged billions of years ago. Today, Mars is a cold desert blanketed in dust and ice, while Earth thrives with oceans, rivers, and a vibrant ecosystem. Yet, there was a time when both planets shared warm seas and thick atmospheres. So, what caused Mars to transform into the barren world we see today? The answer to this mystery may lie in an extraordinary meteorite recently analyzed by scientists. Roughly four billion years ago, Mars bore a striking resemblance to Earth. Geological studies reveal that the Red Planet’s surface was once covered in clay minerals—evidence of liquid water flowing between 3.7 and 3 billion years ago. However, something caused a dramatic shift in Mars’ climate, leaving it dry and frigid. The Pre-Noachian period, spanning 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago, marks the earliest stage of Mars’ history—an era shrouded in mystery. Scientists believe that critical changes during this time set the stage for Mars’ eventual fate. But how can we uncover what happened during this pivotal period when direct evidence is so scarce? The key may lie in a unique meteorite named NWA 7034, also known as “Black Beauty.” Discovered in the Western Sahara in 2011, this 4.4-billion-year-old rock is unlike any other Martian meteorite. It contains more water than any similar samples and provides a rare glimpse into Mars’ ancient past. Interestingly, Black Beauty was ejected from Mars relatively recently—just 1.5 billion years ago—making it challenging to determine whether the water it contains formed during the Pre-Noachian period or later. However, the real breakthrough lies not in the meteorite itself but in the tiny zircon crystals embedded within it. These crystals, formed 4.48 to 4.43 billion years ago, hold unique chemical signatures of elements such as iron, aluminum, and sodium. These patterns are typically associated with hydrothermal vent systems, like the ones found in Yellowstone National Park on Earth. This discovery provides compelling evidence that early Mars was not only wet but also geologically active. The presence of hydrothermal springs suggests that Mars may have hosted conditions similar to the primordial environments on Earth, which some scientists believe were the cradles of life. Whether life ever existed on Mars remains an open question. However, these new findings strengthen the possibility that the Red Planet was once habitable. Future missions to Mars could build on these insights, potentially revealing how Mars evolved into the arid wasteland it is today while Earth continues to flourish. As scientists delve deeper into Mars’ ancient history, we edge closer to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: are we alone in the universe? The post Mars Had Hot Water in Ancient Times, Study Shows appeared first on Anomalien.com.