Scientists are reporting that The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has found an essential mineral on the red planet’s surface, which indicates the planet could have at one time had an environment able to sustain life.

The mineral (which requires water to form) was discovered in a region of Mars know to scientists as Nili Fossae, which is an area full of large valleys, that dip into the planet’s crust. It is believed this area of Mars would have been much less harsh than other areas of the red planet, and therefor, more likely to contain life.

While the mineral had been found in microscopic amounts in Martian dust and soil before, the finding of it within bedrock could  mean that the water there wasn’t as acidic as in other areas. As a result, it would have been more likely to be able to sustain life. More information is expected to be reported and analyze in a future issue of The Journal Of Science.