Scientists have made a fascinating discovery on the Red Planet, Mars, as they revealed the existence of a massive volcano known as Noctis. The volcano, measuring a staggering 280 miles wide, was uncovered during a recent study at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Texas.

As researchers examined the geology of a particular region on Mars, previously identified as the site of a buried ice glacier, they were astonished to find themselves inside a colossal and extensively eroded volcano. The Noctis volcano, estimated to be around 29,600 feet high, is believed to have been active from ancient times up to the present day.

The findings, detailed in a joint effort by the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute based at NASA Ames Research Center, have sparked immense excitement among the scientific community. The discovery of the volcano and the presence of possible remnants of glacier ice near its base offer new prospects for the search for life on the Red Planet. Furthermore, it presents a promising destination for future robotic and human exploration.

Over the years, spacecraft orbiting Mars had repeatedly imaged the area where the Noctis volcano is located. However, the enormous geological structure remained hidden in plain sight, its true nature obscured by erosion. Situated at the boundary between the Noctis Labyrinthus and the Valles Marineris, the volcano seamlessly blended into its iconic surroundings. It is in the southeastern part of the Noctis Labyrinthus that a recent volcanic deposit was found, suggesting the presence of glacier ice.

The study revealed that the Noctis volcano features elevated mesas forming an arc in its central summit area, sloping downhill away from the summit. With gentle outer slopes extending 140 miles in different directions, remnants of a collapsed volcanic crater, known as a caldera, can also be observed near the center. Furthermore, volcanic flows and various hydrated mineral deposits are scattered within the volcano's perimeter.

Sourabh Shubham, a co-author of the study and a graduate student at the University of Maryland's Department of Geology, stated that the location of the volcano had long been suspected to contain a wide range of hydrated minerals. The recent discovery confirms this suspicion and marks the finding as a long-awaited "smoking gun."

While it remains uncertain if the Noctis volcano is still active and might erupt again, scientists have also uncovered a significant volcanic deposit within its perimeter, spanning an area of approximately 1,930 square miles – equivalent to three-quarters the size of Delaware. This region, known as "blistered terrain," is composed of low, rounded, and elongated mounds, interpreted as "rootless cones" formed by explosive steam venting or steam swelling.

Dr. Pascal Lee, the lead author of the study and a planetary scientist, emphasized the exceptional nature of the Noctis volcano site. Its combination of being an ancient, deeply eroded volcano, and having a long history of heat interacting with water and ice, paves the way for extensive exploration and study, shedding light on Mars' evolution throughout time.

The colossal Noctis volcano sits on the eastern edge of Tharsis, a vast regional topographic rise home to three other well-known giant volcanoes: Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons. The discovery of the volcano, along with the potential for astrobiology exploration and the search for signs of life, marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the red planet.

Mars, located 140 million miles away from Earth, continues to unravel its secrets, igniting the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. The unveiling of the hidden Noctis volcano serves as a reminder of the endless wonders waiting to be discovered beyond our world.