Life on Mars? 'Leopard-spot' rocks could be biggest clue yet
18 hours ago
- #NASA
- #Astrobiology
- #Mars
- Unusual rocks with 'leopard-spot' markings found on Mars by NASA's Perseverance Rover.
- Minerals in the rocks may indicate past microbial life or natural geological processes.
- NASA considers these findings as 'potential biosignatures' requiring further investigation.
- Scientists compare the features to microbial processes observed on Earth.
- Confirmation of microbial origin would require bringing samples back to Earth for analysis.
- Mars sample return mission faces uncertainty due to proposed budget cuts.
- Perseverance Rover explores Jezero Crater, an ancient lakebed, for signs of past life.
- Rocks analyzed show evidence of chemical reactions between mud and organic matter.
- Scientists find non-biological explanations less likely due to lack of high-temperature evidence.
- China plans a Mars sample return mission in 2028, adding to the urgency for NASA.