Fragments left behind from massive space debris that struck Mars about 4.5 billion years ago are believed to be buried deep beneath the planet’s surface, according to new research published in the journal Science.

The discovery was made possible by NASA’s retired InSight lander, which carried a highly sensitive seismometer that recorded more than 1,300 marsquakes during its four-year-long mission.

By analyzing the data , researchers found that the energy associated with seismic waves was slowed and scrambled as they passed through the planet’s mantle.

According to the study, the irregularities are likely the signatures of massive fragments left behind by collisions during Mars’ violent early history.

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