Research: Similarities found between Mars and Kutch’s Mata Na Madh soil

A recent study, which has been conducted at Kutch University, reveals that Kutch district has identical soil to that of planet Mars. Geologist Dr Mahesh Thakkar said that further research will be conducted on this to understand the geological, chemical, physical and other aspects of Mars.

Bhuj(Gujarat): After the successful Mission Mars, scientists have found a place in Kutch district which has identical soil to that on the planet Mars, enabling them to undertake further research on geological, chemical, physical and other aspects of Mars.

This place is in the land of Kutch’s own Goddess, Maa Ashapura at Mata Na Madh and is situated between hills. Researchers have found a mineral which indicates similarities between its soil and that on Mars.

In view of this, a special research centre is proposed to be set up in the district for further research by the scientists of NASA, ISRO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad and IIT-Kharagpur.

Department of Earth and Science of Kutch University had conducted a study of the area in 2015 which found same soil as on the planet Mars. Besides, the shape of both hills is similar to a saucer. Investigation by NASA and ISRO also found that the basalt terrain of the area was the only one of its kind on the Earth.

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While talking to ETV Bharat, Kutch University geologist Dr Mahesh Thakkar said,"Some NASA scientists who had recently visited Kutch too had concurred with the findings and suggested to carry out further research. The photos of Mars from space have been found to be similar to photos of the place in Kutch taken from the space. Further research will be conducted on this".

Thakkar said, "Important information can be gathered about the water on Mars and about changes that had taken place centuries ago as investigations on Mars cannot be done easily".

The research on earth would also be helpful in deciding the landing spot of the spacecraft when we undertake our next Mars mission, he said.

NASA scientists have concluded that the presence of hydrous sulphate of potassium and gyrosate made of iron elements also emphasizes the fact that there is some similarity between Mars and soil at Mata Na Madh in Kutch.

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