Scientists have discovered liquid water on Mars. But its reserves are hidden at a depth of 10 to 20 km below the surface. This conclusion was reached by scientists after analyzing data from NASA’s Mars Insight Lander probe, which landed on the Red Planet in 2018, BBC reports.

The spacecraft was equipped with a seismometer that recorded tremors in the crust of Mars. Analysis of these shocks – and how the planet moves – revealed “seismic signals” of liquid water.

Although water has already been found on Mars in the form of ice and vapor, this is the first time it has been detected in a liquid state. The results of the study are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

According to scientists, water may be in “reservoirs” under the surface of Mars. Insight was able to record data only under itself, but researchers believe that similar “reservoirs” exist all over the planet.

The experts’ conclusion may answer the question of where all the Martian water has gone. Studies of the surface of Mars show that in ancient times there were rivers and lakes on the planet. But it has been a desert for three billion years.

However, the news about water reserves under the surface of Mars can hardly be called joyful for billionaires who have plans to colonize the planet. This is because of the depth at which these reserves were found.

“Drilling a hole 10km deep on Mars – even for [Elon] Musk – would be difficult,” said Professor Michael Manga of the University of California, who participated in the study.

By the way, the European Space Agency has recently released a new image of the surface of Mars, which shows a unique structure. It is a so-called “scar” called Aganippe Fossa.