Subscribe now

New Scientist Default Image

Home from home

(Image: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio)

OUR ancestors made their first homes in caves. Now it looks like the first humans on Mars will do the same.

An analysis of Martian geography suggests where to look for the right kind of caves. “At least two regions, the Tharsis rise and the Elysium rise, contain volcanic features which may be suitable locations for caves,” says lead author Kaj Williams of NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California.

What’s more, the analysis suggests that caves in these regions will contain a ready supply of water, in the form of ice.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account