Perseverance rover detects complex carbon in Martian mudstones, strengthening case for ancient life on Mars
By
Chelsea Gohd
Summary
NASA's Perseverance rover has detected complex carbon in two Martian mudstones within Jezero crater, marking the most robust organic detection in the region. This macromolecular carbon could potentially hold evidence of ancient microbial life that once existed in the sedimentary material. The findings strengthen the case that Mars may have once hosted life, building on previous evidence of possible ancient life found at the same location.
Source
Twitter / XPerseverance rover detects complex carbon in Martian mudstones, strengthening case for ancient life on Marsspace.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledNew data from NASA's Perseverance rover has revealed complex carbon in two Martian mudstones found in Mars' Jezero crater, the same location where previous evidence of possible ancient life has been found.
Scientists think this macromolecular (meaning large) complex carbon, could hold evidence that ancient microbial life once existed in the same sedimentary material.
Measurements of two mudstones show hundreds of organic detections, making this the most robust organic detection in Jezero crater.
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