NASA scientists have found some fascinating new clues in the search for life on Mars. They revealed their findings in three new papers published in the peer-reviewed journal Science.
Image Credit: NASA/Tim Goudge via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped for size by Universal-Sci
Within the Jezero crater, the Perseverance rover detected a large number of organic molecules that form the basis for life as we know in addition to debris that shows signs of a watery past.
It marked the first time scientists used the onboard ultraviolet spectrometer called 'SHERLOC'. The device utilizes various spectrometers, cameras as well as a laser to explore organics and minerals that have experienced watery conditions in the past that could be indicators of past microbial lifeforms.
Collected particles are stored in tubes so that they can be returned to Earth for further research in the future. According to the researchers, these rock particles contain the "chemical recipe" that may prove the existence of ancient life on Mars.
In an interview in the Washington Post, NASA geographer Abigail Allwood described the discovery as "amazing." She and her team discovered organics in practically every rock they encountered.
Perseverance putting its robotica arm to work - Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS
Especially the discovery that Jezero Crater sustained watery conditions on three separate occasions in the past is crucial. These conditions could have maintained small communities of microorganisms, according to Michael Tice, a geologist at Texas A&M University.
Definitive answers, however, will come once the samples have been transferred to Earth for further research. It is not yet clear when the samples will be collected to be brought home, but NASA has high hopes this will be possible in the early 2030s.
These new findings are the latest in a long string of discoveries. Evidence for water on Mars has been unearthed on numerous occasions in the past. Including striking evidence of ancient oceans and signs of rivers that once existed on the red planet.
If you are interested in more details about the recent discoveries, be sure to check out the papers, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, listed below.
Sources and further reading:
Aqueous alteration processes in Jezero crater, Mars−implications for organic geochemistry (Science)
Mysterious discovery: Mars didn't dry up at once; it had alternating dry and wet eras (Universal-Sci)
Where did the water from Mars' ancient rivers and lakes go? (Universal-Sci)
How to generate oxygen on Mars? (Universal-Sci)
SHERLOC instrument (NASA)
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