Terra Sirenum

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Possible chloride deposits in Terra Sirenum
Possible chloride deposits in Terra Sirenum

Terra Sirenum is a large region in the southern hemisphere of the planet Mars. It is centered at 39.7°S and 150°W and covers 3900 km at its broadest extent. Terra Sirenum is an upland area notable for massive cratering including the large Newton Crater.

Evidence of deposits of chloride based minerals in Terra Sirenum was discovered by the 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter in March 2008. The deposits are approximately 3.5 to 3.9 billion years old. This suggests that near-surface water was widespread in early Martian history, which has implications for the possible existence of Martian life. [1][2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Osterloo, et al (2008). "Chloride-Bearing Materials in the Southern Highlands of Mars". Science 319: 1651–1654. doi:10.1126/science.1150690. 
  2. ^ NASA Mission Finds New Clues to Guide Search for Life on Mars. Retrieved on 2008-03-22.

[edit] External links

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