Scientists have found evidence of potentially life-supporting materials on Mars in a new study incorporating data from the Mars Perseverance rover. These materials indicate potential signs of past habitability, and potentially even that water was once present on the planet. The rover has even previously collected rock samples, among other various materials, all of which are being actively studied. However, the materials found in this study are particularly interesting.
Many of the molecules found were indicative of aqueous processes, helping to create some of the organic matter that was found as part of the study. Amy Williams, an expert in organic geochemistry explains: “The potential detection of several organic carbon species on Mars has implications for understanding the carbon cycle on Mars, and the potential of the planet to host life throughout its history. We are just now scratching the surface of the organic carbon story on Mars, and it is an exciting time for planetary science!”
These findings will help scientists to unravel the organic composition of Mars and potentially uncover more secrets to the planet's past and unveil if there was ever any past life on the planet.
In addition, Williams also added that: "The potential detection of several organic carbon species on Mars has implications for understanding the carbon cycle on Mars, and the potential of the planet to host life throughout its history."