Is life possible on Mars? Here’s what a recent study says

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

NASA's Mars Perseverance rover have given scientists valuable information about Mars' history and its ability to support life. Using an innovative technique called SHERLOC, researchers detected signs of organic molecules on the Martian surface, suggesting a complex cycle of organic chemicals and the potential for habitability over a long period of time. The study, led by a team including astrobiologist Amy Williams from the University of Florida, was published in the journal Nature.

Scientists have been eager to find organic carbon on Mars, and previous missions have provided important insights. However, this new research presents a fresh line of evidence that enhances our understanding of the Red Planet. The findings indicate that Mars has a more intricate organic geochemical cycle than previously known, with several different sources of potential organic compounds.

One notable discovery is the presence of molecules associated with water processes, suggesting that water may have played a crucial role in the diversity of organic matter on Mars. This means that the necessary building blocks for life might have existed on Mars for a longer time than previously believed. Amy Williams, an expert in organic geochemistry, has been actively involved in the search for life's building blocks on Mars as part of the Perseverance mission.