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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2: Opportunity Finds Water on Mars

NASA has reported that the Mars rover Opportunity has found more proof that liquid water was once on Mars.

The evidence of water was found in the bedrock of Meridiani Planum, the depression in which the rover landed weeks ago. Opportunity detected high levels of sulfate and bromide ions, common in salt water, in the rock, which scientists say usually occurs when rock has been submerged in water over a long period of time.

The findings do not tell scientists exactly what kind of body of water was there (it could have been anything from a sea to groundwater), when it was there, or whether life was present on the planet, but some scientists believe it is possible that life existed on the planet.

Opportunity and Spirit, the other Mars rover, will continue their exploration of the planet until their solar-powered batteries die out, which is expected to occur sometime in the coming spring. Opportunity will search other rock outcroppings, which NASA scientists hope will provide further information about the water on Mars. Scientist have had evidence of water on Mars for some time. The recent Opportunity discovery just adds to the information.

--Written by Nia Williams

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