Pictures captured by NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft show signs that there may be liquid water on the surface of Mars, which is an exciting discovery for scientists who are curious about the possibility of life on the Red Planet. The spacecraft's orbit allowed scientists to observe alterations in the walls of two craters in the southern hemisphere of Mars, which appear to have been caused by water flowing downhill in recent years. This finding has sparked further speculation about the potential existence of life on Mars, as water is essential for all known forms of life on Earth. Scientists have previously confirmed that there is water on Mars in the form of ice at the poles and water vapor. They have also identified geological features that seem to have been shaped by water in the past. Kenneth Edgett from Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, who was part of the research team, mentioned that scientists have been searching for definitive proof of liquid water currently existing on Mars. Edgett described their findings as evidence of water currently present on Mars. The researchers, whose study is published in the journal Science, compared images of Mars taken seven years apart and discovered 20 new impact craters caused by space debris. They observed evidence of water flowing down two gullies in recent years, despite the challenges of liquid water surviving on Mars due to its cold and thin atmosphere. It appeared to suggest that underground liquid water might be close enough to the surface in certain areas to occasionally seep out. The images did not directly show water but indicated bright deposits left by material carried downhill inside the crater by running water. These deposits sometimes snaked around obstacles and left finger-shaped marks diverting from the main flow. Edgett mentioned that the water could be acidic, briny, or carry various sediments, but water (H2O) is definitely involved. Each apparent flow was caused by an amount equal to "five to 10 swimming pools of water," according to Edgett. Michael Meyer, the head scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program, stated that the recent observations have provided the most compelling evidence so far that water still flows intermittently on the surface of Mars. He raised questions about how this phenomenon occurs and whether it indicates a potential habitat for life. Scientists believe that Mars may have supported primitive life forms in the past, as it is the only planet in our solar system besides Earth with a relatively hospitable climate. Previous missions have discovered evidence that Mars once had significant amounts of water. The scientists admitted that the images were not definitive proof, only suggesting evidence. They mentioned the possibility of dry dust causing the features instead. The researchers raised questions about the water source and quantity, and its potential use in future Mars missions. They discovered the gullies in 2000, but this was the first time they observed newly deposited material carried by liquid water. NASA recently lost contact with the Mars Global Surveyor after a mission dedicated to mapping Mars' surface, monitoring its weather, and looking for signs of water.