NASA’s Perseverance rover, through its SHERLOC instrument, has identified a wide array of organic molecules in rocks within Mars‘ Jezero crater, indicating the potential for past or present life on the planet.
Credit: Wiki Commons
Published in Nature, the study unveils organic signatures at ten locations and emphasizes the need to investigate both biological and non-biological origins. The findings support the Mars Sample Return program and shed light on Mars’ ancient history, with scientists considering the possibility of microbial life in the crater’s water-filled past over 3.5 billion years ago. The ongoing study provides valuable insights into Mars’ ancient history and supports future missions, including the Mars Sample Return endeavor, to unravel the mysteries of the Red Planet.
Spot the “polar bear!” One rock that @NASAPersevere drilled while #SamplingMars had an odd-shaped crystal inside – a mineral that on Earth is good for preserving signs of ancient life. See why one of this rock’s samples could be fascinating to bring to Earth by #MarsSampleReturn. pic.twitter.com/AkSPEegkWH
— NASA Mars (@NASAMars) July 12, 2023
Rocks studied by @NASAPersevere tell a story about an ancient river and lake environment at Jezero Crater. Learn about “Salette” and “Coulettes,” two samples the rover collected that could help piece together the story of this place and its potential for supporting ancient life. pic.twitter.com/Xq6CzVYidB
— NASA Mars (@NASAMars) July 5, 2023
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