NASA study found Mars had been gradually stripped of its atmosphere by solar winds, scientists announced.

According to the NASA research that looked at data collected by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) space probe, it is possible microbial life could have existed at the surface early in Mars’ history. As the Red Planet cooled off and dried up, any life could have been driven underground or forced into rare surface oases, the research said.

Scientists believe, there may still be survivors in water that has remained beneath the surface of Mars. The research helped to understand what exactly stripped Mars of its atmosphere, which meant it could no longer hold the oceans like they are here on Earth.