NASA’s Rover Discovers Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars
(MENAFN) NASA’s Perseverance rover has revealed potential signs of ancient microbial life within a rock sample from Mars’ historic riverbed, researchers announced Wednesday. They described the findings as the most compelling evidence to date suggesting that the Red Planet might have once supported living organisms.
The findings, published in Nature, focus on a sample collected last year from Jezero Crater, an area that once hosted an extensive river delta. Scientists examined the sedimentary rock, nicknamed “Cheyava Falls,” which contains chemical and mineral signatures potentially linked to biological activity. However, experts stress that further analysis is essential to confirm the presence of life.
“This is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars.”
The rover extracted the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” while exploring a rocky formation known as “Bright Angel.” Its instruments detected clusters of organic carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and iron compounds embedded in colorful mineral patterns reminiscent of leopard spots.
Among these minerals were vivianite and greigite—both commonly associated with microbial activity on Earth—adding weight to the possibility of past life on Mars.
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