NASA discovers unusual spider-like imprints on Mars surface

Scientists have discovered unusual geological features resembling spider-like shapes on the surface of Mars, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. These formations, which extend over a kilometer, initially led researchers to believe they were actual spiders due to their long, spindly appearances and clustered arrangements. However, further investigation revealed that these shapes are not biological but rather cracks formed over time, with their origins still under study. The leading hypothesis suggests that these formations result from a reaction between carbon dioxide ice and the Martian atmosphere, leading to raised features on the planet's surface. This theory was published in The Planetary Science Journal, prompting scientists to recreate Martian conditions in a laboratory setting to test it. In a specially designed facility, researchers simulated the extreme cold of Mars, which can reach temperatures as low as -153°C. They utilized a setup involving liquid nitrogen and a Mars-like soil stimulant to replicate the pressure and temperature conditions of the red planet. Initial attempts were unsuccessful, but after several modifications, they achieved the desired environment. The successful experiment demonstrated that ice could form between soil grains, resulting in cracking patterns similar to those observed on Mars. This finding highlights the complexity of natural processes and suggests that the Martian landscape may be shaped by mechanisms that are not fully understood, challenging previous assumptions about planetary geology.