NASA rover detects possible signs of ancient Martian life in recent breakthrough

NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered the potential signs of ancient Martian life in a recent breakthrough, giving one of the strongest evidence till now.

According to research published on Wednesday, September 10, the analysis of samples collected from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater hints at the robust evidence of harbouring early microbial life.

Jezero Crater is a region in Mars' northern hemisphere that once contained an ancient lake basin.

In 2024, Perseverance rover gathered a sample called “Sapphire Canyon” on the red planet’s mudstones of Neretva Vallis, a river channel that was once known for carrying water into Jezero Crater.

As per recent discovery, the sample contains potential biosignature, a structure that might have a biological origin.

The analysis conducted by the rover’s science instrument discovered the ingredients used in the formation of sedimentary rocks. These elements include silt and clay, which can harbour past microbial life easily.

Moreover, the sample is found to be rich in sulfur, organic carbon, oxidized carbon, and phosphorus. The minerals include vivianite and greigite.

Joel Hurowitz, a planetary scientist explained, "These reactions appear to have taken place shortly after the mud was deposited on the lake bottom. On Earth, reactions like these are often driven by the activity of microbes."

Nicky Fox, NASA's science mission chief, said, “The latest analysis is certainly not the final answer, but it's "the closest we've actually come to discovering ancient life on Mars."

“This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars,” acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said.