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Mars might have salty ponds next to its underground lake

Published

6 years ago

2020/09/30

(CNN) Two years ago, scientists detected what looked like a salty lake under the surface of Mars’ southern ice cap.

Now, new research has found more evidence of the lake, and also revealed a number of smaller salty “ponds” nearby — raising the possibility there may be life on the Red Planet

In the new study, Italian scientists used the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument on the European Space Agency’s Mars Express spacecraft. The radar covered a larger area of the Martian surface and gathered additional data, allowing the scientists to “confirm the liquid nature of the previously observed lake,” the research team said in a statement.

The scientists were able to gather more specific details about the lake — for instance, they estimate it’s about 30 by 20 kilometers (18.6 by 12.4 miles) in area.

“The presence of a subglacial lake could have important consequences for astrobiology and the presence of habitable niches on Mars,” the statement added.

The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy, also said the detection of “several other smaller patches of water” was particularly exciting. The ponds — which the study describes as “patchy water pools or wet areas of smaller extent” — are different sizes, and separated from the main lake by strips of dry land.

The discovery is significant because it gives us a better idea of the Mars climate, and chemical makeup. For instance, the fact the lake and its surrounding ponds are still liquid suggest they are “hypersaline,” the study said — meaning they contain lots of salts. This lowers the melting point, preventing the water from freezing despite the cold environment, and may have allowed them to “survive for an extended period of time on a geological scale.”

And, of course, there’s the question of extraterrestrial life.A study last year suggested that 3 to 4 billion years ago, Mars — now cold and inhospitable — may have been warm enough to host pouring rainstorms and flowing water, which would have created an environment that could support simple life. As temperatures dropped later on, the water would freeze. The latest research posits that life on Mars might not just be a thing of the past.

“The possibility of extended hypersaline water bodies on Mars is particularly exciting because of the potential for the existence of microbial life,” the study said. If there really is life in these salty waters, it could take different forms. The scientists speculated there could be anaerobes — tiny organisms that don’t need oxygen — or extremophiles, which can survive in extreme cold or heat.

There could even be aerobes — organisms that require oxygen. Salty brines like the lakes or ponds hold six times the minimal amount of oxygen needed for microbes to breathe, the study said.

“The water bodies at the base of the (south polar layered deposits) therefore represent areas of potential astrobiological interest and planetary protection concern,” the study concluded, urging future Mars missions to target the polar lake region to gather additional data.

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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

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Hanthana land plots given to 44 disaster-hit families

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

One of the beneficiaries receiving an instrument from Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation, KD Lalkantha, at the event.

A land distribution programme benefiting families displaced by disaster in the Kandy District was held on April 24 at the Kandy District Secretariat, with 44 affected households receiving plots in the Hanthana area.

The initiative targeted residents of the Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat division whose homes were completely destroyed in a recent disaster, leaving them without permanent shelter.

The event was presided over by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha, who said arrangements had been made to provide each beneficiary with Rs. 5 million in instalments through the Pathahewaheta Divisional Secretariat to support the construction of new homes.

He noted that the land parcels had been identified from an estate in the Hanthana area and subsequently subdivided into demarcated plots for distribution among the recipients.

Members of Parliament representing the Kandy District from the NPP, along with Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretary Amila Navaratne, were among those present. Government officials and beneficiaries also attended the event.

The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to provide permanent housing solutions and restore livelihoods for families affected by natural disasters in the region.

Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake

News

Police launch Scout Division to boost leadership and community ties

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, Scout Association President Ransiri Perera, and Chief Scout Commissioner Manoj Nanayakkara, at the launch.

Text and Pic by Nishendra Silva

The Sri Lanka Police Scout Division was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held recently at Police Headquarters, marking a significant step towards integrating scouting principles within the police service.

The event was presided over by IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya and Chief Scout Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association Manoj Nanayakkara. The initiative to establish the new division was conceptualised by Nanayakkara as part of efforts to promote leadership, discipline and community engagement within the police force.

A high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka Scout Association was present, including its President Ransiri Perera, National Training Commissioner Padmalal Perera, and National Programme Commissioner Geeth Ramesh. Assistant Chief Commissioners Chandrani Fernando, Deshan Milinda and Sampath Kariyawasam were also in attendance, along with Training Directors Indrajith Ramanayake and Tilakman Pathmasiri.

Representing the Sri Lanka Police were several senior officials, including Senior DIG (Administration) Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, Senior DIG (Western Province) Sajeewa Medawatta, and Senior DIG (Support Services) Rajitha Sri Daminda.

Senior DIG (Training and Higher Training) Sampath Kumara Liyanage, who has been appointed to head the newly formed Police Scout Division, was also present. He is expected to oversee the launch and ongoing operations of police scouting activities, supported by other senior officers tasked with implementing the initiative.