Why is Mars Red?

Christopher Lambert

Staff Writer

For the longest time, scientists thought that the reason Mars was red was because of its presence of water and oxygen, which creates iron oxide. This is, as we know it, rust.

It is believed that at one point in Mars’s history, rivers were present on the planet and that it may have been habitable. That would be water and oxygen mixing to create iron oxide.

Furthermore, after millions of years, that iron oxide turned into dust and was moved across the surface of the planet by Martian winds. However, new information has come to light about why Mars is red.

Signs point to a different type of iron oxide, called ferrihydrite, which forms quickly in cool water. According to CNN, ferrihydrite was likely formed when water was still existent on Mars and then the planet grew colder over billions of years.

The red hue on Mars is still a form of rust that has dusted, been moved and settled all over the surface of the planet. However, after scientists performed many tests, they believe that it is ferrihydrite, which forms when the water on the planet is cold.

CNN brings up the point that these new discoveries have created new questions for scientists. It remains to be a mystery as to where ferrihydrite derives from.

Ferrihydrite also exists in the Earth’s soil, meaning Mars and Earth might have more in common than originally believed.