NASA published a global map of Mars on October 29, 2026, showing 13 locations that match the mineralogy and chemistry of Teghaza 001, one of the oldest Martian meteorites discovered on Earth.
Clues to an ancient Martian origin
NASA said Teghaza 001 is one of the most ancient Martian meteorites ever found on Earth.
While researchers can never be certain where a Martian meteorite originated, NASA noted that Teghaza 001 contains clues linking it to highlands in the southern hemisphere of Mars.
Mapping candidate sites with orbiter data
Scientists used data gathered by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to identify 13 sites on the map that display mineralogy and chemistry matching Teghaza 001.
The base map was generated using data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument aboard NASA's Mars Global Surveyor mission, with the candidate locations highlighted by white circles.
Key facts and where they come from
- Teghaza 001 is one of the most ancient Martian meteorites discovered on Earth.
one of the most ancient Martian meteorites ever found on Earth.
- Teghaza 001 includes clues linking it to highlands located in the southern hemisphere of Mars.
Teghaza 001 includes clues that link it to highlands in the southern hemisphere of the Red Planet.
- Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data was used to identify 13 locations sharing similar chemistry and mineralogy with Teghaza 001.
Scientists used data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to identify areas of the map (noted with white circles) that have similar mineralogy and chemistry as Teghaza 001.
- The base map was constructed using Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data from the Mars Global Surveyor mission.
The base map of this image was produced with data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument aboard NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor mission.