New research shows that the red dust on Mars contains ferrihydrite, a water-rich iron oxide. It's evidence that the planet rusted in water.

New research has revealed that Martian dust's red hue comes from reactions that occurred in wet — not dry — conditions, and it could have implications for the possibility of life on the planet.

A study, conducted in part by NASA, indicates why Mars is red — and, more importantly, what this says about potential life on Mars.

Results from a new study show that the water-rich iron mineral ferrihydrite may be the main pigment behind Mars’ reddish dust.

By combining observations from space and experiments on Earth, scientists rethink the red planet's history and why it's red.