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Unprecedentedly large organic molecules have been found. Mars , providing additional proof that life might have once thrived on Mars.
Specialists have discovered lengthy carbon chains with up to 12 linked atoms in specimens of ancient Martian rocks that are several billion years old.
These particular organic compounds – the most extensive ones detected up to this point – might stem from fatty acids, which serve as fundamental components of fats and oils and are produced on Earth via biological processes.
Scientists stated that the finding is of 'great interest' in the quest for possible indications 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 identify molecules within samples.
The analysis showed that the gathered mudstone includes organic compounds such as decane, undercane, and dodecane.
The absence of geological activity along with Mars' chilly and dry environment has aided in maintaining 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 living cell structures on our planet, these compounds can also originate from abiotic sources—processes driven by non-biological factors—as they explained.
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-related chemical processes.
'The organic molecules retained within the ancient Martian rock formations offer essential evidence regarding Mars’ potential for supporting life in the past and might serve as chemical indicators of biological activity,' they noted.
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 [fatty acids].
While abiotic processes have the ability to produce these acids, they are recognized as common outcomes of biochemical reactions—both earthly and potentially Martian.
'Hence, the origin and spread of these molecules are highly significant 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 project will develop an apparatus akin to SAM for use with 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 lined with fine sand and tranquil, rippling waters.
Scientists found indications of a 'getaway-like' setting on Mars, even though no obvious liquids can be seen on the planet’s surface nowadays.
A global group of researchers leveraged information gathered by China’s Zhurong Mars rover to reveal concealed strata beneath the Martian terrain, which provides robust evidence for a former vast sea in the northern hemisphere.
The latest study provides the strongest indication so far that the planet previously had a substantial amount of water and a more hospitable setting for life, according to the researchers.
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