Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, has long intrigued scientists due to its striking rusty hue. Previously, researchers believed that Mars turned red through a slow oxidation process in dry conditions over billions of years.

A study suggests Mars takes its red hue from a type of mineral that forms in cool water, which could reveal insights about whether Mars was ever able to support life.

Thanks to new research techniques published today, scientists say that "our understanding of why Mars is red has been transformed."