Australian researchers have discovered the oldest evidence of hot water activity on Mars, indicating that the planet may have been habitable in its early history. The findings are based on a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain from the Martian meteorite NWA7034, analyzed by scientists at Curtin University, Australia.

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• 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain studied from Martian meteorite NWA7034, nicknamed “Black Beauty.”
• Meteorite found in the Sahara Desert in 2011; contains evidence of water-rich fluids.
• Research published by Curtin University team, led by Jack Gillespie, now at the University of Lausanne.
• Geochemical analysis reveals hot water activity during Mars’ early magmatic period.
• Study points to hydrothermal systems, crucial for life development, existing on early Mars.
• Nano-scale geochemistry detected water, a key life ingredient, in Mars’ ancient crust.
• Mars’ crust faced massive meteorite impacts but retained water during Pre-Noachian period (prior to 4.1 billion years ago).
• Discovery could deepen understanding of Martian hydrothermal systems and habitability.
• Research also involved scientists from the University of Adelaide and Curtin University.
• Opens new avenues for studying Mars’ potential to support ancient life.