ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Martian spherules

Okay kiddo, today we are going to learn about Martian spherules!

On Mars, there are tiny little round balls which are called spherules, kind of like little marbles. These spherules are a very important discovery because they tell us a lot about the history of Mars and what it was like long ago.

Scientists think that these spherules were formed when hot lava or ash from a volcano on Mars fell into water, kind of like making a tiny mud ball when you play in the dirt! Over time, the lava or ash hardened into a solid rock, and the water washed away the softer material, leaving just the hardened spherule behind.

These spherules are interesting because they have been found all over Mars, and they come in different sizes and colors. Some are smaller than a grain of sand, while others are as big as a ball from your favorite sport! The colors also range from red to blue to gray.

By studying these spherules, scientists can learn about the conditions that existed on Mars long ago. They can tell us if Mars was once wet, like Earth, or if it was dry and dusty, or if there was volcanic activity. This is important because it can help us understand how Mars evolved over time and if it could one day support life.

So that's basically it, little one! Martian spherules are like tiny round rocks that tell us about the history of Mars. They were made from volcanic activity and water, and can help us learn about conditions on Mars long ago. Cool, huh?