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Organic molecules of 'unprecedented magnitude' have been found on Mars , providing additional proof that life might have previously existed on Mars.
Specialists have discovered lengthy carbon chains with up to 12 linked atoms in chunks of ancient Martian rock that are estimated to be billions of years old.
These particular organic compounds — the most extensive ones detected up to this point — might stem from fatty acids. Fatty acids serve as foundational elements for fats and oils and are typically produced on Earth via biological processes.
Scientists stated that the finding is of 'significant interest' in the quest for possible indicators of life.
The samples were gathered using SAM, which stands for Sample Analysis at Mars – an instrument onboard the spacecraft. NASA The Curiosity Rover, which has been exploring the Gale Crater since 2012.
It features both a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer, enabling it to analyze and pinpoint molecules within samples.
The analysis showed that the gathered mudstone includes the organic compounds decane, undercane, and dodecane.
The absence of geological activity coupled with the frigid, dry environment on Mars has aided in safeguarding this precious organic material over the last 3.7 billion years.
The experts stated that it thus originates from the era when life first appeared on our planet.
Although fatty acids are a crucial part of cellular structures in earthly life forms, these compounds can also originate from non-biological or purely physical processes, they noted.
In the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the research team reported that their achievements open up new possibilities for upcoming missions aimed at discovering evidence of intricate, life-like chemical processes.
'They noted that organic molecules conserved within old Martian rocks offer essential evidence for Mars’s potential to support life in the past and might serve as chemical indicators of biological activity.'
The origin of the long-chain alkanes is still unclear; nonetheless, lab tests suggest they come from the saturated version of straight-chain, primary carboxylic acids—also known as fatty acids.
While abiotic processes may produce these acids, they are regarded as common outcomes of biochemical reactions—both earthly and possibly Martian.
'Hence, the origin and spread of these molecules are highly relevant in the quest for possible biosignatures on Mars.'
Exploring more lifelike chemistry on Mars will be among the objectives of the European Space Agency’s forthcoming ExoMars mission, scheduled for launch in 2028.
The researchers behind this study will develop an apparatus akin to SAM for Dragonfly—the drone scheduled to investigate Titan, Saturn's biggest moon, starting in 2034.
A recent independent study suggested that Mars previously had sunny shores with tranquil, wave-lapped sands.
Scientists found indications of a 'getaway-like' setting on the Red Planet, even though no observable liquid exists on Mars’ surface nowadays.
A global group of researchers leveraged information gathered by China’s Zhurong Mars rover to reveal concealed strata beneath the Martian terrain, providing strong evidence for a vast prehistoric ocean in what is now the planet's north.
The latest study provides the most compelling proof to date that the planet previously had a substantial amount of water and a more hospitable setting for life, according to the scientists involved.
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