Scientists announced the discovery of a massive shield volcano, named Noctis Mons, on Mars at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

Noctis Mons measures 29,600 feet in height and spans 450 kilometers, making it the seventh largest volcano found on the Red Planet.

The volcano is located near Valles Marineris on the Tharsis plateau, just south of Mars' equator, and was previously overlooked due to erosion.

Evidence of the volcano emerged from studies of a glacier area, where surface water ice on Mars had been detected the previous year.

Noctis Mons, situated within the Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus region, is composed of lava layers, ice, and pyroclastic deposits, heightening its significance for astrobiology.

The region is now prioritized for future Mars missions due to its potential for water extraction and insights into the planet's history.