On June 28, 1911, the Nakhla meteorite fell in a remote area of Egypt, approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Cairo, near the village of Nakhla. Witnessed by local residents, the meteorite was characterized by its distinctive dark grey and greenish hue and weighed about 10 kilograms. It created a significant buzz both locally and globally, as initial investigations soon revealed that it contained evidence suggestive of Aqueous alteration processes, indicating that the meteorite had been affected by water at some point in its history. This was a groundbreaking clue in the field of planetary science, leading researchers to consider the conditions present on Mars millions of years ago.

The meteorite was carefully collected and studied. Among its details, scientists noted the presence of various minerals, including olivine and pyroxene, which are often associated with volcanic activity. However, the notable evidence of alteration processes sparked discussions regarding the possibility of water once flowing on Mars or existing in some capacity. In the years following its fall, Nakhla was analyzed extensively by numerous scientists, and it became crucial in understanding the geochemical processes that could support life beyond Earth.

The discovery of the Nakhla meteorite ignited interest in Mars, encouraging future missions and studies aimed at understanding the Red Planet's past environmental conditions. This was a pivotal moment that began to change the narrative about the potential habitability of Mars. The meteorite's unique properties and the implications of its water-related origins laid the groundwork for significant advancements in space exploration and our understanding of planetary systems.