Introduction

Recent groundbreaking research suggests an intriguing possibility: Mars' once-thriving atmosphere might be more elusive than previously thought, potentially absorbed by minerals within the planet’s clay-rich surface. This hypothesis offers fascinating insights into how the Red Planet transformed into the desolate landscape we observe today, raising questions about its historical capacity to support life.

The Historical Context of Mars

Historically, the surface of Mars was not the barren wasteland explored by NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers. Instead, it was once covered in water, a vital element for any form of life. However, for liquid water to exist, Mars must have possessed a robust atmosphere capable of preventing it from freezing. This leads to a significant mystery: what happened to that atmosphere?

The Research