A recent test has finally confirmed that water exists below the Martian soil, even though in the form of ice. A sample taken from Mars' surface has been heated in one of the Phoenix Lander's tiny ovens and its sensors detected that water vapors were emitted as the sample had been brought to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the melting temperature of ice.

It was in 1970 when scientists first had reasons to believe that water once flowed on Mars before the planet became too cold. The theory appeared as a series of pictures that showed channels on the planet's surface were analyzed. The next proof that water exists on the planet came when data transmitted by the Odyssey spacecraft, which orbits the planet, showed a large portion of ice that was buried underneath a layer of dust.

Soon after the Phoenix Lander touched down on the planet's surface, images taken with its robotic arm camera have shown some chunks of a white material on the ground. Within hours, they disappeared, which made scientists believe that they were pieces of ice that have vapored when exposed to ice.

Earlier during the mission, water vapors have been emitted by a sample taken from the planet's surface. However, the very high temperature at which this took place led researchers conclude that the water molecules were trapped in the structure of the soil.

The discovery represents just the beginning for the mission, as more tests will be carried out during the next few days. Officials said that until now, the Phoenix Lander has accomplished the criteria for minimum  success, but hopes are high that the mission will eventually provide more answers to questions posed by the scientific community.