Indian scientists identify a few Martian analogue sites

Indian scientists from the University of Kerala have identified Martian analogue sites in Tamil Nadu and the Atacama Desert in Chile by detecting key minerals like melanterite and gypsum. Using advanced instrumentation including a laser Raman spectrometer supported by the DST-FIST program, the research team identified melanterite in Neyveli and gypsum in the Atacama Desert and the Tiruchirappalli Badlands. These hydrous sulphates record water-rock interactions and past aqueous environments comparable to those on Mars. The findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, aid planetary science by helping understand past water activity, transient wet and acidic conditions, and potentially habitable environments on Mars.