Mars Reveals 'Boxwork' Webs: Longer-Lived Water Boosts Habitability Odds

NASA’s Curiosity rover spotted boxwork, spiderweb-like formations on Mount Sharp in Gale Crater that were created by minerals left behind as groundwater moved through Martian rock. The findings suggest liquid water persisted much longer in Mars’ history than previously thought, strengthening the possibility that ancient environments could have supported microbial life and expanding the potential window for habitability. The rover continues to navigate rugged terrain to study these structures and refine our understanding of Mars’ water history.