The findings are based on an analysis of unusually pale rocks discovered by NASA's Perseverance rover, which appear to reveal a climate wetter than scientists expected It could change how we view Mars (Image: NASA/AFP via Getty Images)

Mars may once have resembled a tropical oasis, according to a new study suggesting the planet experienced warm, humid conditions and heavy rainfall in its distant past. The findings are based on an analysis of unusually pale rocks discovered by NASA's Perseverance rover, which appear to reveal a climate far wetter than scientists had expected.

Researchers focused on a series of light-coloured stones that Perseverance identified on the Martian surface. Further investigation showed that the rocks were made of kaolinite, an aluminium-rich clay.

The s

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