A new analysis of data collected by NASA’s Spirit rover has uncovered mineral evidence suggesting that water once shaped large regions of Mars, according to research published in Interactions. “This mineral’s widespread presence suggests not only that water was present, but that significant areas of Mars may have once been covered by water.” It was recorded during 3 hours and 25 minutes of sol 14 by rover Spirit at Gusev crater. Credit: InteractionsThe Spirit Rover Data Contained Clues Hidden in Plain SightThe Spirit rover operated on Mars for more than 2,000 days, collecting information about the planet’s rocks, soil and atmosphere before completing its mission. Ancient valleys, lake deposits and hydrated minerals have already shown that the planet experienced periods when water moved across its surface.