New research suggests life may thrive in meltwater pools beneath Mars' icy surface

New research indicates that life may exist in shallow meltwater pools beneath Mars' icy surface. The study shows that sunlight can penetrate the ice, allowing photosynthesis in these pools, similar to life found in Earth's subsurface meltwater. The study focused on water ice formed from ancient snow mixed with dust. Dark dust particles absorb sunlight, warming the ice and potentially melting it a few feet below the surface, where conditions may support life. Researchers plan to further investigate where liquid water might exist on Mars. They aim to recreate Martian icy conditions in the lab and identify potential locations for future exploration by humans and robots.