NASA Rover Uncovers Signs of Possible Ancient Life on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover has uncovered a rock sample on Mars that may hold signs of ancient microbial life. The discovery was made in Jezero Crater, where the rover has been exploring since 2021. Scientists believe the rock, which dates back 3.2 to 3.8 billion years, may contain a “potential biosignature”.
The rock, found in an area once covered by water, contains minerals typically linked to biological processes on Earth. These include vivianite and greigite, both formed through reactions involving organic material. Although the findings are promising, researchers say nonbiological explanations remain possible.
Joel Hurowitz, lead scientist of the study and a Perseverance team member, explained that the minerals likely formed when mud settled at the bottom of an ancient lake. “On Earth, similar reactions are often driven by microbes,” he said. However, he also cautioned that further analysis is needed to confirm any biological origin.
Unique Features Hint at Chemical Reactions
NASA released images of the fine-grained, rusty-red mudstone where the minerals were found. The rock displays ring-like features and dark marks that resemble leopard spots and poppy seeds. These textures may have formed during early chemical reactions involving organic matter, potentially influenced by microbial life.
Perseverance collected this sample, known as Sapphire Canyon, in July 2024. It came from a rocky area named Cheyava Falls within the Bright Angel formation. This region lies at the edge of Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley carved by water flowing into the crater.
The rover used onboard instruments to analyse the rock’s composition. The team discovered high levels of organic carbon, phosphorus, sulphur, and oxidised iron—key ingredients for microbial life.
More Evidence Needed Before Confirming Life
Despite the discovery, scientists are not claiming the detection of life on Mars. “It’s not life itself,” said Nicky Fox of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Instead, the findings represent a strong signal that warrants further investigation.
Hurowitz emphasised that although the results are compelling, some of the observed reactions could occur without the presence of life. “We cannot rule out nonbiological causes with rover data alone,” he said.
The research community now has a new type of potential biosignature to study. Future laboratory experiments on Earth may help determine whether these features were truly created by ancient life or simply mimic biological activity.
For definitive answers, scientists say the Sapphire Canyon sample must be brought back to Earth. However, current US budget proposals could impact NASA’s planned Mars Sample Return mission. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said the agency is exploring new options for retrieving or further analysing the samples.
“We’re reviewing our budget, exploring better technologies, and seeking faster ways to get the samples back,” Duffy said.
with inputs from Reuters