Opportunity found evidence on Mars of the existence (in the past) of fresh water

On Habré, quite often there is news about the Curiosity rover, which has already made many interesting discoveries, and even more probably will. But do not forget that Opportunity is working on Mars, and it has already been working for the tenth year, instead of 90 days, as it was originally planned. And this “veteran of the Martian movement” also makes discoveries no less interesting and useful for science than its colleague. For example, this time Opportunity found evidence of the existence of fresh water on Mars in the past of this planet.

Of course, fresh water itself could not be found, but freshwater clay was discovered, which is direct evidence of the existence of fresh water in the past of Mars. Freshwater clay was found near the crater Endeavor, whose diameter is 25 kilometers. Now Opportunity is gradually moving along the edge of the crater, exploring interesting areas. In one such survey, the cutter removed the surface layer of stone in this place, and with the help of a spectrometer, scientists were able to determine the composition of the rocks.
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(thanks SelenIT2 )

It turned out that the rock has a high content of elements such as silicon and aluminum, and some composition parameters suggest that it is clay formed under the influence of fresh water. Note that earlier traces of water were also found, but it was salt water with a high level of acidity, which, according to some scientists, was not suitable for life.

NASA has already held a press conference at which the current opening was announced.

Via lenta