Perseverance Finds Macromolecular Carbon in 2 Martian Mudstones, Sharpening Hunt for Ancient Life
Updated
Updated · DAWN.com · Jul 6
Perseverance Finds Macromolecular Carbon in 2 Martian Mudstones, Sharpening Hunt for Ancient Life
3 articles · Updated · DAWN.com · Jul 6
Summary
Scientists using Perseverance’s SHERLOC instrument found macromolecular carbon in two Jezero Crater mudstones sampled about 100 meters apart, the first such detection in that crater.
The carbon came from sedimentary rock formed roughly 3.2 billion to 3.8 billion years ago beneath a vanished body of water, making it relevant to whether ancient Mars could have supported microbes.
Cheyava Falls and Walhalla Glades were already flagged last year after one rock showed a potential biosignature, including ring-shaped and dark features that on Earth can be linked to microbial activity.
Researchers said the carbon resembles material produced by both biological and nonbiological processes on Earth, so the finding strengthens evidence for habitability and organic ingredients but does not prove life.
Curiosity previously found similar carbon 3,700 km away at Gale Crater, suggesting organic materials may have been widespread on Mars and underscoring the need to return samples to Earth for definitive testing.
NASA found life's building blocks on Mars. So why can't scientists tell if they came from ancient microbes or just complex chemistry?
After its $11B sample return mission was canceled, can the US still beat China in bringing back signs of Martian life?
Perseverance Rover Finds Highest Concentration of Macromolecular Carbon in Jezero Crater: Implications for Ancient Martian Habitability and Life Detection
Overview
NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered macromolecular carbon in the mudstones of Jezero Crater, a site chosen for its potential to reveal Mars' past habitability. This carbon, found on the surface of the Cheyava Falls mudstone, shows resistance to harsh Martian conditions and resembles terrestrial kerogen, but its origin—whether from ancient life or geological processes—remains unknown. While Perseverance's instruments cannot confirm if the carbon is biological, similar findings by the Curiosity rover suggest organic materials were once widespread in Martian lakes and rivers. Returning these samples to Earth is essential for deeper analysis and understanding Mars' potential for ancient life.