Subsurface Lakes

Radar data from Mars Express and MARSIS instruments suggest liquid water reservoirs exist beneath Mars' south polar ice cap. These potential subsurface lakes, remaining liquid despite freezing surface temperatures, could extend 12 miles across and lie nearly a mile underground. The high salt content likely acts as antifreeze in these dark, briny pools. While not direct life detection, these stable aquatic environments - possibly heated by geothermal activity - represent the most promising potential habitats for microbial life on modern Mars. Their existence, if confirmed, would dramatically reshape our understanding of Martian habitability and the possibilities for extraterrestrial life within our solar system.