NASA evidence of liquid water on Mars, and what this means for gaming

These downhill flows, known as recurring slope lineae (RSL), often have been described as possibly related to liquid water. The new findings of hydrated salts on the slopes point to what that relationship may be to these dark features. The hydrated salts would lower the freezing point of a liquid brine, just as salt on roads here on Earth causes ice and snow to melt more rapidly. Scientists say it’s likely a shallow subsurface flow, with enough water wicking to the surface to explain the darkening."

Life on Mars has been one of humanity's biggest mysteries. The Red Planet has been the locale for many sci-fi movies and video games; but, most depict the planet as dry and arid. Water has been known to exist on Mars for quite a while now, but it lies trapped far beneath the surface. These findings of water potentially existing in liquid form could forever change the way we view the planet.

Imagine now, the potential of Destiny 2 with Bungie knowing that free-flowing water (likely) exists on the planet. Forget speculating about a manned mission to Mars; I think we now know the next resource you'll be collecting in Destiny 2.

Think bigger, though. It now means we can go beyond Mars — perhaps to one of its two moons. Doom could actually happen, Mars City could really exist!

In today's Reddit AMA, NASA confirmed they are "looking into the possibility" of sending humans "to the vicinity of Mars" in the early 2030s, which means the earliest humans to step foot on the planet would be in the late 2030s.

It's happening, people.

Note: Obviously I'm exaggerating the impact the discovery of liquid water on Mars will have on video games, but I really wanted an excuse to write this and celebrate this historic moment. Maybe I'm all jacked up having just watched Interstellar and seen the rare "super blood moon" eclipse last night, but this is all pretty awesome.