<ul><li>Mars has long intrigued scientists with its red hue, thought to come from iron-rich minerals like rust on Earth.</li><li>New research challenges the belief that hematite is responsible for Mars' color, pointing to ferrihydrite instead.</li><li>Ferrihydrite, a mineral formed in cool water, dominates Mars' reddish dust according to a recent study.</li><li>This suggests Mars may have had a period of water activity before becoming dry and cold.</li><li>Data from Mars missions and laboratory simulations support the presence of ferrihydrite in Martian dust.</li><li>The discovery of hydrogen in the dust implies water was chemically bound within the particles.</li><li>Analysis of Martian dust composition indicates past chemical alterations involving water.</li><li>The presence of ferrihydrite hints at conditions suitable for microbial life on ancient Mars.</li><li>NASA's Perseverance rover is collecting samples for future return missions to further analyze Mars' dust.</li><li>Ferrihydrite's role in Mars' reddish hue continues to spark interest, awaiting confirmation from direct sample analysis.</li></ul>

Why is Mars red? Scientists may have been wrong all along

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