mineral deposits of Martian hot springs unearthed: prime location to search for microbial fossils

The broken wheel dragging on the Martian probe Spirit unearthed a patch of mineral deposits that is normally created when hot water contacts volcanic rocks. On earth, areas like this are teaming with microbial life. Although it seems that the rover is not suited for analyzing what has been found, it looks like we may have hit paydirt.

Not only do we get yet more evidence of liquid water on the Martian surface, but it would have been the perfect habitat for life.