For decades, scientists have been trying to answer the question: has ever been life in Mars; This question may be approaching in response: The latest discovery of Persevence rejuvenates the debate about life on the red planet. Exploring the riverbed of a dried ancient river, its robotic vehicle NASA He found rocks with unique colors, full of spots and dark rings, as reported by French -speaking Swiss TV RTS.
These patterns found by NASA on Mars, reminiscent of poppy seeds or leopard spots, have moved the curiosity of researchers. Some believe that they may be traces of chemical reactions that involve germs, as is the case on Earth. Others, however, recall that they are equally likely to have been formed by purely geological processes.
This sample, named Sapphire Canyon, was pierced in July 2024 by a rock called Cheyava Falls in the Bright Angel geological area, where a river of about 400 meters wide. The organs of the rover revealed the presence of organic carbon, sulfur, phosphorus and oxidized iron – a chemical combination capable of nourishing a microbial metabolism.
A ‘possible’ biographical
The study, published in the journal Nature under the direction of Joel Hurowitz (Stony Brook University), speaks of a “possible biographical”. This seems to have formed 3.2 to 3.8 billion years ago, when the Jezero crater was hosting a lake. On Earth, such surroundings with fine -grained muds favor the growth of germs.
Among the minerals found, Vivianitis (iron and phosphorus) and Greigitis (iron and uncle) are known to be formed through reactions with organic matter. “Germs consume these materials and produce minerals as by -products of their metabolism,” Hurowitz explains.
Conclusions with reservations
However, researchers avoid announcing a definitive discovery. “This is not a life itself,” said Nicky Fox, a NASA official, recalling that similar mineral “signatures” can also result from non -biological processes.
Scientists hope that sealed pipes with samples will someday be able to move to Earth for more detailed analyzes. Until then, laboratory tests and comparisons with similar environments on Earth may help to clarify the origin of these mysterious formations.