Space
Giant volcano discoverd on Mars by seti.org
A previously unknown giant volcano has been discovered near Mars' equator, hidden in the region of Noctis Labyrinthus, west of Valles Marineris. This structure, although more eroded and lower in height than other known Martian volcanoes, has a diameter of about 450 km. Located in the Tharsis volcanic province, the site is of particular interest because of recent volcanic deposits under which glacier ice might be preserved.
Revealed at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, this volcano, provisionally named "Noctis Volcano," stands out for its complex history and long period of volcanic activity. Its location and features, such as a caldera and pyroclastic deposits, make it relevant for studying Mars' geological evolution, searching for signs of past life, and future exploration.
The volcano is at an elevation of +9022 meters, and its analysis was facilitated by data from missions like Mariner 9, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and Mars Express. Beyond its geological interest, the potential presence of glacier ice under recent volcanic deposits opens up prospects for the use of in-situ resources in future explorations.
