Uncovering the Unexpected Origins of Mars' Largest Quake

Scientists were surprised to discover that the largest quake ever detected on Mars, with a magnitude of 4.7, was not caused by a meteorite impact as initially suspected, but rather by tectonic activity within the planet's interior. This finding, based on data collected by NASA's InSight lander, provides valuable insights into the geological processes and seismic activity on Mars, which is crucial for future human missions to the planet. The absence of an impact crater challenges previous assumptions about Mars' seismic activity and highlights the ongoing motion and shrinking of the planet's crust.