Mysterious Blobs on Mars Linked to Ancient ‘Failed Planets

Fast Summary:

• Researchers have discovered dense structures, or “blobs,” deep inside Mars’ mantle using Marsquake data collected by NASA’s InSight lander from 2018 to 2022.
• These hidden structures, some as large as 2.5 miles across,likely originated from collisions with protoplanets approximately 4.5 billion years ago during the solar system’s early days.
• Unlike Earth’s more active interior shaped by tectonic plates, Mars’ single-plate crust preserves these ancient impact remnants due to its relatively sluggish mantle evolution and fixed positioning.
• The study showcases an unprecedented level of detail in mapping planetary interiors using InSight data and highlights how Mars retains evidence of its formative history better than Earth’s dynamic mantle can.

Images:
!Mars’ Protoplanet Impact Illustration
Researchers believe they have found several blobs within Mars that were leftover from giant impacts.

!Marsquakes Vibrating Toward Structures
Dozens of impact structures identified in Mars’ mantle through vibration analysis.

!NASA’s InSight Lander on Mars
InSight recorded more than 1,300 tremors during its mission.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
This discovery is significant for advancing our understanding of planetary formation and evolution within the solar system-and could inform future Indian initiatives like ISRO’s interplanetary missions or collaborative global efforts to explore Martian geology further. Mapping ancient remnants preserved in a fixed layer beneath a planet offers invaluable insights into cosmic history without Earth-like geophysical activity erasing evidence over time.For india,knowledge transfer from such studies might enhance domestic research capacity or inspire deeper engagement with global space exploration communities focused on utilizing seismic technology for extraterrestrial discoveries.

Read More: Live Science Article