'Mars may exist in saltwater lakes'.

Some American scientists believe that saltwater lakes can be located directly below the surface of the red planet.

Phoenix self-propelled probe on Mars.Photo: NASA.

Previously, scientists have identified that water mainly exists in the form of ice or vapor on Mars because of the low temperature and air pressure on the red planet.

However, NASA's Phoenix self-propelled probe (landing on Mars on May 25, 2008) has found evidence of the existence of perchloric salts in the soil of Mars. This salt group can hold water at temperatures up to minus 70 degrees Celsius. Salt lakes form when soil interacts with ice.

'I think the viability of saline lakes is relatively high, but we need to gather more information about the properties of perchloric salts , ' said Dr. Mike Hecht, a NASA expert.

Phoenix uses jet propulsion to slow down when landing on the surface of the red planet. Those engines accidentally blew the upper layer at the landing point, exposing perchloric salts to a depth of several centimeters. This information was published in the 40th planetary science conference in Woodlands, Texas, USA.

'Perchloric salts are very soluble, so when exposed to moisture or water, they become more mobile. On earth, perchloric salts are an indispensable ingredient in solid fuel of rockets and fireworks. We are investigating their role on Mars , 'added Dr. Hecht.