Deep Hole Found on Mars May Contain Life

Scientists have recently discovered what seems to be a deep hole or cavern on Mars, according to LiveScience.com.

With NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's imaging system, it has taken a shot of the dark spot, with measure 330 feet (100 meters) across and contrasts greatly with the bright dusty lava plain at which it is located. The cave or hole is situated to the northeast of Arsia Mons, which is one of the four giant Tharsis volcanoes on Mars.

Researchers speculate that the hole might be the ideal place that could support life on the red planet or serve as a habitat for future astronauts and expeditions.

With its specialized High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) instrument, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) drew a bead on the deep hole, causing scientists to wonder if there really is possible life lying within the hole.

Researchers say that the spot is not an impact crater, as the hole does not have a raised rim or tossed out material called ejecta, which may result from volcanic activity or from meteors hitting the surface of the planet. The study of the image has revealed that there are no walls or other details inside the hole, so speculation draws that possible walls might be completely vertical or dark in color, or overhanging. Image specialists of the HiRISE instrument have studied the pictures taken, and have said that "The pit must be very deep to prevent detection of the floor from natural daylight, which is rather bright on Mars."

Back in April, NASA announced that it's Mars Odyssey and its Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) found seven dark spots like the one the current Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's imaging system picked up. These spots are all potential entrances to underground caves near the equator of the red planet.

HiRISE principal investigator, Alfred McEwen, of the University of Arizona in Tucson says that NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is in position to focus on the other dark spots that the previous orbiter, Mars Odyssey took a few months back.