Scientists have discovered what appears to be the oldest direct evidence of hot water flowing over March during its ancient past. This discovery could further indicate that the Red Planet, despite its barren and desolate appearance today, might have been capable of supporting life long ago.

The proof was delivered to Earth and sealed in the famous Martian meteorite NWA7034, found in the Sahara Desert in 2011. Due to its black, highly polished appearance, the Martian rock is also known as the “Black Beauty.”

At around 2 billion years old, Black Beauty is the second oldest Martian meteorite never discovered. However, the Curtin University team discovered something even older: a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain that harbors the fingerprints of water-rich fluids.