Mars Rover's Latest And Most Valuable Rock Samples Could Show Past Life on the Planet

Scientists discovered the latest rock samples that could help show past life on the planet.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Perseverance in Mars detected the highest concentrations of organic molecules. The article, published in Phys Org, could show a potential signal of ancient microbes.

When the rock samples are sent to Earth, Scientists will confirm and study the rock samples.

Return sample scientist David Shuster explained that the detected rocks are the most valuable samples being collected.

The article pointed out organic matter was found on the same planet before. However, the difference is that the latest rock samples originated from an area where salts and sediments deposit into the lake and which conditions where there could be life.

According to the NASA 2020 Perseverance Rover, the project was launched on July 30, 2020, and landed at Jezero Crater, Mars, on February 18, 2021. The rover's primary duty is to detect signs of ancient, microbial life and collect rock samples. The discovery can prepare scientists for future human exploration.

Moreover, the report showed that repeated detections of methane by Perseverance's predecessor, Curiosity, can offer clues to the possibility of life on Mars.

Percy the Rover

Further analysis of the latest rock samples will have to wait for the Mars Sample Return mission. The rock is expected to return in 2033, with a collaboration project with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), Phys Org reported.

According to a report, the rover investigates sedimentary rocks from particles of sizes settling in the watery environment.

Percy detected two samples from the Wildcat Ridge, about three feet wide. Some of its surfaces were abraded so the analyzing instrument, SHERLOC, could examine them. The device is called Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals.

The results revealed aromatics, a class of organic molecules crucial in biochemistry.

In USA Today published article, NASA astrobiologist Sunanda Sharma explained that they are uncovering a bigger story of what is happening in Jezero Crater. They found signals they possibly thought as organic matter.

Cat Loaf Rock on Mars

On September 14, 2022, Nature World News reported about the unique image of a rock seemingly-looking cat on Mars. The cat was on the loaf image, the favorite position of cats.

They called it the Cat Loaf Rock, showing a chilling cat position on the surface using NASA's advanced and mast-mounted cameras. The image became the NASA week photo and became a trending picture online.

Science Times reported that the phenomenon of attributing the image to similar or familiar objects is called pareidolia.

You can visit here to read about NASA programs and missions on other planets.

According to NASA Science Solar System Exploration, Mars is one of the most explored planets. Missions of explorations using rovers are sent to study the potential existence of life on Mars and understand its past existence.

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