A photo capturing the terrain of Mars. A unique hole is visible in the upper right./Courtesy of NASA, MRO, HiRISE, JPL, U. Arizona

How did this strange hole on Mars form? This appearance, which resembles Swiss cheese, reveals the dark, dusty surface of Mars beneath evaporating bright carbon dioxide ice.

However, the unique hole in the upper right is somewhat different. With a diameter of 100 meters, this hole appears to be as if it is connected to an underground layer. The reason for this hole's existence and why it is surrounded by a circular crater remain subjects of speculation. One leading hypothesis is a meteorite impact.

This hole is particularly interesting as it may lead to a vast underground cave. This naturally formed tunnel is relatively well protected from the harsh surface environment of Mars, making it a place where life is considered likely to exist. Therefore, these holes are drawing attention as future targets for exploration by spacecraft, robots, and even human expeditions.