Scientists Find New Organic Matter Pointing to Possible Martian Life
“…these processes may have had a key role in organic synthesis throughout Mars’ history…”
via Sputniknews
NASA’s Perseverance rover has found traces of organic matter in Jezero Crater on Mars, giving scientists information about the possibility of life on the red planet, an international team of scientists have revealed.
“Our findings suggest there may be a diversity of aromatic molecules prevalent on the Martian surface, and these materials persist despite exposure to surface conditions,” the report read.
These molecules were mostly found within minerals linked to aqueous processes, indicating that these processes may have had a key role in organic synthesis throughout Mars’ history, the researchers added.
The study also showed that a more complex organic geochemical cycle may have existed than had been previously thought.
At the same time, the authors of the study note it is difficult to name the exact types of organics found. The confirmation of the organic origin and specific identification of these molecules will require samples to be returned to Earth for laboratory analysis.
The samples are expected to be brought to Earth by the Mars Sample Return mission, which could begin in 2027.
The findings were published Wednesday in the UK scientific journal Nature.
via Sputniknews
