NASA Rover Finds Possible Signs of Ancient Life in Martian Rocks

NASA Rover Finds Possible Signs of Ancient Life in Martian Rocks
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Unusual rock formations discovered by NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars may be evidence of ancient microbial life, The Guardian reported. The findings, published in Nature, describe carbon-based compounds, mineral textures, and surface features observed in rocks within the Bright Angel formation—an outcrop in the Neretva Vallis region, an ancient river valley that once fed the Jezero crater.

NASA officials highlighted the discovery as a potential milestone in the search for extraterrestrial life. Sean Duffy, NASA’s acting administrator, described the features as “the clearest sign of life” yet found on Mars, though scientists caution that the evidence is not conclusive.

The rover detected organic compounds alongside minerals such as vivianite and greigite, which on Earth often form through microbial processes. However, similar features can also arise from purely chemical reactions, making it difficult to confirm biological origins without further testing.

Lead researcher Dr. Joel Hurowitz emphasized the need for caution, classifying the features as “potential biosignatures” until the samples can be examined on Earth. The Perseverance rover has already collected rock samples for future return, but NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission faces significant delays and funding uncertainty.

The findings are expected to prompt new laboratory and field studies to replicate the formations through biological and non-biological means. Despite political and budgetary challenges, NASA officials urged continued investment in planetary science to further explore these groundbreaking discoveries and address fundamental questions about life beyond Earth.