The Perseverance rover on Mars. © NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ MSSS
NASA scientists say they’ve found strong signs of ancient life on Mars, one of humanity’s biggest discoveries.
NASA scientists revealed findings from a Mars rock they’ve nicknamed Sapphire Canyon. The Perseverance rover drilled this sample from what was once a river delta on the Red Planet.
View of leopard spots and poppy seeds on a Martian rock. © NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ MSSS
The rock shows unusual markings: tiny black spots, which scientists call “poppy seeds,” and pale spots with dark edges, called “leopard spots.” According to NASA, the patterns lack a satisfactory non-biological explanation. That means they could be traces of ancient life.
It’s not proof yet, but it’s a strong hint.
The search for life on Mars is far from over. What kind of evidence would finally let scientists declare, with certainty, that Mars once hosted life? And if we confirm it just next door—on one of the closest planets to Earth—would that suggest life is common throughout the universe?
source NASA
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