Past Habitable Environments on Mars - Evidence from Rover Missions

Watch a comprehensive lecture from geologist Nicolas Mangold exploring evidence for past habitable environments on Mars, delivered as part of the 2023 Astrobiology Introductory Course at the Rencontres Exobiologiques pour Doctorants. Examine key Mars exploration missions including Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, analyzing geological features like channels, pebbles, and sedimentary formations found in locations such as Gale Crater. Learn about the dynamic Martian environment, chemical compositions including sulfates and carbonates, parallel bed formations, and potential biosignatures. Gain insights into the scientific search for signs of ancient life and habitability through detailed analysis of sedimentary fans, deltas, and other geological evidence collected by Mars missions. Develop an understanding of how Earth-based geological knowledge helps interpret Martian features and what they reveal about the red planet's potentially habitable past.