2024: 10 Incredible Discoveries on Mars, from Mysterious 'Spiders' to a Shocking 'Martian Dog'!

As humanity's quest to understand the Martian landscape continues, 2024 has proven to be a pivotal year, with groundbreaking findings emerging from the Red Planet. Despite setbacks like the loss of NASA's Ingenuity helicopter and functional issues with the Curiosity rover, scientists have uncovered astonishing secrets about Mars' past and potential for future human habitation.

From the mesmerizing "spiders" that proliferate as the Martian weather changes to the revelation of a substantial underground ocean, here are our top ten mind-blowing discoveries from Mars this year—with a few fascinating extra details!

1. The Giant Underground Ocean

In 2024, researchers unveiled the existence of a colossal underground reservoir capable of replicating a 1-mile-deep ocean covering Mars! Using data from the InSight lander, scientists analyzed “Marsquake” data revealing this hidden treasure rests between 7 and 13 miles (12 to 20 km) beneath the surface. This finding ignites hope that future astronauts could tap into these waters to sustain life on Mars. Moreover, the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life lurking in its depths has excited the scientific community.

2. The "Spiders" of Inca City

The peculiar "spiders" on Mars—the spindly crack-like formations—have fascinated scientists for decades. This spring, imagery from the European Space Agency's Mars Express highlighted a significant surge in their visibility at the Inca City region, near Mars’ south pole. These structures were formed when carbon dioxide ice sublimated, transporting dust to create these unique patterns. Interestingly, researchers replicated these spiders in a lab on Earth, offering fresh insights into their formation.

3. The Mysterious Martian Dog

In an astounding geological anomaly, researchers unearthed several dense subterranean blobs, including one that remarkably resembles a dog! These shapes were detected using a newly developed gravity map from the InSight lander and Mars Express orbiter. Spanning the ancient seabed around Mars' north pole, these formations raise questions about their origins and composition, sparking intrigue among scientists.

4. A Hidden Volcano "Hiding in Plain Sight"

Scientists have identified an enormous, previously unnoticed volcano measuring over 280 miles (450 km) in diameter. Its extensive erosion had masked its grandeur, but researchers pinpointed telltale signs, like ancient slopes, revealing its existence. Furthermore, a potentially buried glacier near the volcano’s base suggests a prime location for astrobiological research.

5. The Salty Smiles of Mars

In September, an extraordinary discovery emerged: a "smiley face" made from ancient chloride salt deposits was observed by ESA's ExoMars orbiter. This whimsical formation, only visible through infrared imaging, raises the question of whether such formations could be indicative of past biological activity. The study of similar deposits across Mars could uncover crucial data about the planet’s history.

6. Frosty Peaks Abundant with Water

Unbeknownst to many, Martian volcano peaks are not as barren as they appear. In June, new research disclosed the presence of significant frost covering dormant volcanoes, amounting to an estimated 150,000 tons of water. These findings challenge earlier assumptions and imply that conditions may be more favorable for future exploration and potential human settlement than previously thought.

7. Eccentric Rock Formations

Curiosity and Perseverance rovers have unearthed bizarre rocks on Mars, contributing to its enigmatic landscape. An arrowhead-shaped stone reminiscent of the Starfleet insignia from "Star Trek" and a unique boulder dubbed “Atoko Point” have left scientists questioning Mars’ geological past. Notably, a bizarre black-and-white "zebra rock" has intrigued researchers, suggesting volcanic origins.

8. Cryptic Terrain and Dark Dust

ESA's Mars Orbiter captured extraordinary images of dark patches known as "cryptic terrain" near the south pole. These areas are believed to be the result of CO2 ice cycles that sublimated, revealing a unique seasonal pattern. Interestingly, these dark regions might also hint at where dust gets drawn up into the atmosphere, further adding to the planet's mysteries.

9. Little Green Spots

August brought a whimsical surprise to the Perseverance rover: tiny green spots scattered across the Martian surface! Measuring just 0.08 inches (0.2 cm) in diameter, these patches could signify iron-oxidizing processes akin to rust, hinting that microbe activity might have occurred in the Red Planet’s past—or even still be present today!

10. Buried Ice Chunks Beneath the Equator

Lastly, massive ice blocks, reaching down 2.3 miles (3.7 km) beneath Mars’ equator, were detected by the Mars Express radar. Hiding under layers of ash and dust, these blocks suggest a wealth of frozen water could be accessible for future explorers. This discovery renews discussions on establishing habitats near Martian equatorial regions.

2024 has delivered a treasure trove of discoveries on Mars, each unveiling the planet's rich history and its potential to host human life in the future. As scientists continue to explore, who knows what astonishing revelations lie just beneath the surface? One thing is for sure: the mystery of Mars is far from being solved!