New research published in Nature Communications identifies an iron sulfate on Mars that may represent a brand-new mineral. Sulfur is common on Mars and combines with other elements to form minerals, especially sulfates. While most sulfates are highly soluble and readily dissolve on Earth during rainfall, on the dry surface of Mars these minerals can survive for billions of years and preserve important clues on the planet’s early history. Each mineral has a unique crystal structure and properties, including the common minerals gypsum and hematite. Scientists rely on data collected by Mars orbiters to identify minerals on the surface and obtain information about former martian environments that would have enabled the formation of these minerals. For nearly 20 years, researchers have been puzzled by unusual, layered iron sulfates with a unique spectral signature. Now, a study led by Dr. Janice Bishop, senior research scientist at the SETI Institute and NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, has identified and characterized an uncommon ferric hydroxysulfate phase by combining laboratory experiments with Mars orbital observations. The discovery adds new insight into how heat, water, and chemical reactions shape the martian surface.

“We investigated two sulfate-bearing sites near the vast Valles Marineris canyon system that included mysterious spectral bands seen from orbital data, as well as layered sulfates and intriguing geology,” said Bishop.

A Dartmouth-led study identifies potentially more that 300 small galaxies orbiting low-mass systems known as dwarf galaxies. If confirmed, these satellite galaxies—which are about one-tenth the size of the Milky Way—could provide new, clearer insight into galaxy formation and its connection to dark matter. The study triples the number of dwarf galaxies that have been surveyed in search of satellite star systems.

 The SETI Institute awarded a new education grant through its Support Technology, Innovation, Development and Education (STRIDE) program. Space Science for Youth in South Africa is a professional development program for Girl Guides South Africa (GGSA) staff and volunteers and is additionally funded by The Center for Radio Astronomy and Technologies, Rhodes University. The project will leverage the SETI Institute’s experience developed through Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts which developed space science badges for Girl Scouts aged 5-18 and provided training for Girl Scout volunteers and organizers. SETI Institute Director of Education Pamela Harman will lead Space Science for Girls in South Africa as PI, with Jessica Henricks as Co-I.

“This STRIDE award leverages our expertise to bring space science activities and career awareness to GGSA,” said Harman.  GGSA aims to empower girls and women to reach their full potential and gives girls the confidence, skills and aspirations to advocate for change and make an impact in the world.”  

Developed and delivered by the SETI Institute, this 2.5 day in-person training in July 2025 will equip a carefully selected group of GGSA leaders with knowledge, tools, experience, and resources to expand engaging and inclusive space science education for girls ages 4.5 - 18. The leaders will not only be prepared to deliver space science programs directly, but, more importantly, to train the GGSA’s adult volunteer leaders who serve GGSA’s 20,000 members in urban and rural areas.