New analysis finds signs of life on Mars actually came from Earth
Recent tests indicate that certain molecules previously viewed as biosignatures on Mars may have come from Earth. Specifically, the hydrocarbons pristane and phytane failed a terrestrial test despite their presence on the Red Planet. Other findings from the Perseverance rover continue to show complex organic matter and potential biosignatures in the Jezero Crater.
What changed
New analysis indicates that specific biosignature molecules on Mars actually originated from Earth.
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Analysis Suggests Some Martian Life Signs Originated on Earth
confidence 80%Recent tests indicate that certain molecules previously viewed as biosignatures on Mars may have come from Earth. Specifically, the hydrocarbons pristane and phytane failed a terrestrial test despite their presence on the Red Planet. Other findings from the Perseverance rover continue to show complex organic matter and potential biosignatures in the Jezero Crater.
What's confirmed:
- The Perseverance rover discovered a rock containing complex organic matter.
- Perseverance collected a sample from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater that could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life.
- Evidence suggests Mars once had rivers, long-lived lakes, and possibly a northern ocean.
Still unconfirmed:
- A vast ocean once covered the landing site of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover.
- Iron-phosphate and iron-sulfide nodules in Jezero Crater mudstones suggest processes resembling microbial activity on Earth.