Matanomadh, a remote village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has suddenly found itself at the centre of planetary science. Recent research has identified it as a rare terrestrial analogue for Mars, thanks to the discovery of jarosite—a yellow iron-rich sulphate mineral formed some 55 million years ago. This mineral, first spotted on the Red Planet by NASA’s Opportunity rover in 2004, offers a striking geological bridge between Earth’s deep past and Martian conditions.
A Window into Mars from Kutch
Jarosite is uncommon on Earth and usually tied to volcanic activity. In Matanomadh, it formed during the Paleocene period, when volcanic ash mingled with marine waters. The result: a mineral record that mirrors what scientists believe once occurred on Mars, suggesting that parts of ancient Kutch shared environmental and chemical conditions with the Red Planet.
The village’s rugged, sparsely populated terrain enhances its Martian resemblance. Here, clay mixed with jarosite expands when wet, behaving much like Martian regolith. For planetary scientists, this turns Matanomadh into a natural laboratory—ideal for testing rover mobility, drilling technologies, and geochemical instruments long before they travel to Mars.
ISRO’s Expanding Martian Ambitions
India’s space agency is already capitalizing on such Earth-Mars parallels. Alongside Matanomadh, the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) in Ladakh recreates Mars-like atmospheric and temperature conditions. Earlier this year, two crew members lived for 10 days inside a Mars habitat replica at 4,500 metres altitude, enduring low oxygen and sub-zero nights to prepare for future missions. Together, these sites are shaping ISRO’s upcoming Mangalyaan-2 mission, sharpening both robotic and human exploration strategies.
Why Jarosite Matters
The mineral’s importance goes beyond geology. Jarosite forms only in the presence of water, making it a vital clue in the search for life. It has the capacity to trap organic molecules and essential elements, serving as a time capsule for signs of habitability. Studying jarosite in Kutch may therefore help unravel Mars’ palaeo-environment while guiding strategies for detecting extraterrestrial life.
A Call for Protection
Yet, this invaluable site faces modern-day risks. Waterlogging and coal mining in the region threaten its fragile mineral heritage. Scientists are now urging authorities to declare Matanomadh a planetary geo-heritage site. Preserving this “Mars on Earth” would not only protect India’s scientific treasure but also ensure future missions continue to benefit from its unique lessons.
From a quiet corner of Kutch, Matanomadh is reminding the world that sometimes, the path to Mars begins right here on Earth.