The clay found on Mars points to the past watery

The main goal of the Curiosity rover is to find the conditions conducive to life on Mars and a new discovery of clay could lead the rover on the right track.

After drilled in an area called "clay unit" on Mars, two new samples contain the largest amount of clay minerals ever found on the red planet. Curiosity began drilling the two targets called "Aberlady" and "Kilmarie" in early April, and then used its mineralogy instrument to analyze the rock samples.

Since clay is often formed when water is present and water is a condition of life, it is a sign that could help scientists to look for microbial life on Mars. Although these discoveries do not directly prove that there was ever life on Mars, according to a press release, it is likely that these samples come from ancient Martian lakes, which could have offered an ideal home for the life.

The discovery took place near the bottom of Mount Sharp and adds to the other results of Curiosity, which show that there was already a large amount of water in the crater Gale, where the vehicle s & rsquo; Is set in 2012. Future drilling will continue in the clay zone Scientists are looking to discover what differentiates this ridge and this region of Mars, as well as unlock more clues to replenish the story Of March.