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A spectacular, butterfly-shaped structure spotted on the Martian surface has sparked global debate after the European Space Agency released high-resolution images captured by its Mars Express spacecraft. The 20-km-wide formation, located in the Idaeus Fossae region, initially triggered a wave of speculation online, with some social media users referring to it as "proof of alien life" on Mars.

Alien Creature Or Crater?

ESA researchers say the so-called "Martian Butterfly" is not a fossilised insect or any other biological imprint. Instead, it is a geological structure formed when an asteroid struck Mars at a very low and oblique angle. Such impacts are uncommon, and unlike typical round craters, they create elongated central basins and asymmetric debris patterns.

The space rock skimmed the surface much like a stone skipping across water, ESA said. This caused the debris to spray outward in two broad lobes that resemble the wings of a butterfly when seen from orbit. The main crater, unusually stretched and oval, forms the “body” of the butterfly.

Clues Of Subsurface Ice Beneath Mars

The most interesting observation is the smooth, rounded debris that surrounds the wings of the crater. Scientists say the material was "fluidised" during the impact, suggesting that the collision melted hidden ice trapped under the surface.

The sudden release of heat would have turned ice into water, allowing the soil to behave much like flowing mud. This reignites earlier hypotheses that parts of Mars once had abundant subsurface water or frozen reservoirs.

Volcanic Traces Reveal Violent Past Of Mars

The Idaeus Fossae region, where the crater sits, is known for its fractured terrain and dark volcanic deposits. ESA images also show steep mesas and wrinkle ridges, which are typically created when lava cools and contracts.

These features indicate a long and active volcanic history. Layers of ash and basalt in the region indicate that Mars experienced powerful eruptions millions of years ago before the area was reshaped by impacts and erosion.

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ESA's Mars Express mission, launched in 2003 and at its orbit since 2004, has continually played its prime role in mapping the surface, monitoring the atmosphere, and studying its moons. Its High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) has documented countless geological features, offering insights into Martian climate, water history, and terrain evolution.

ALSO READ: New Mars Cave Discovery Fuels Alien Life Theories: Scientists Find Water-Carved Caverns That May Have Sheltered Ancient Aliens

Thus these findings provide another valuable piece of the puzzle as scientists continue to assess whether the Red Planet ever hosted conditions suitable for life.

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