The team analyzed meteorites from a large space rock designated as NWA7034 or “Black Beauty.” While all Martian meteorites have clues about the planet’s geologic history, most of them are igneous rocks like those found on Earth and others are mantle rocks.

New Curtin University-led research has uncovered what may be the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on Mars, revealing the planet may have been habitable at some point in its past.

Scientists analyzing the 'Black Beauty' meteorite have discovered a zircon grain that hints at hydrothermal systems on early Mars.