'This could be a portal': Scientists stunned by a gaping Martian pit

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

Credit: NASA

Martian hole

A 100-metre-wide pit on Mars captured by NASA has scientists speculating it could lead to subsurface caves—and possibly, alien life.

Credit: NASA

Hidden caves

Experts believe natural tunnels under Mars’ crust might shelter life from harsh surface radiation and freezing temperatures.

Impact origin

Though its formation is unclear, one theory suggests the hole may have been caused by a meteor strike that cracked the surface.

Life shelter

These underground caves, protected from UV rays and dust storms, could create stable microenvironments ideal for microbial survival.

Representative pic

NASA alert

The image, originally snapped by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, was re-shared by NASA as a major point of interest for exploration.

Prime target

Experts say these pits could be key targets for future missions—robotic, sample-return, or even human expeditions.

Barcelona theory

Scientists at the University of Barcelona have identified Acidalia Planitia as a possible habitat for methane-producing subsurface bacteria.

Deep life

These microbes could live 4.3 to 8.8 kilometres underground, where liquid water, warmth, and energy might still exist.

Drill challenge

Accessing potential life zones remains difficult, as deep drilling on Mars faces extreme engineering and environmental obstacles.