Produced by: Tarun Mishra
A recent study has analysed rock samples collected by NASA's Perseverance rover from Mars' Jezero Crater, indicating the presence of water in the region. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars may have once harboured conditions suitable for life.
The samples were taken from a sedimentary rock formation on the western slope of Jezero Crater, an area that appears to have been a river delta feeding into a dry lakebed. This suggests a history of water flow and sediment deposition in the region.
Credit: ESA
Lead author Tanja Bosak, a geobiology professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, noted that the rocks provide evidence of temporary habitable environments on Mars. The sedimentary deposits indicate significant water activity, although the duration of this activity remains uncertain.
The analysis did not reveal organic matter but did identify minerals like carbonates, which are associated with reef formations on Earth. These minerals are considered potential indicators of ancient microbial life due to their ability to preserve fossils.
The researchers also found sulphates in the samples, which typically form in saline environments. While saltwater is not always conducive to life, it can preserve organic materials. The presence of sulphates could suggest that any potential life forms might have been preserved in these salty conditions.
The collected rock samples have been sealed in tubes, with plans for their eventual return to Earth. On Earth, advanced microscopy and analytical techniques will be used to conduct more detailed examinations for signs of past life.
The findings from these samples could significantly impact our understanding of Mars' potential for past life. Ongoing and future missions will continue to investigate the planet's geological history and its capability to support life.