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Curiosity Rover Detects 'Origin-of-Life' Molecules on Mars
The rover found preserved complex organics, including a nitrogen-bearing molecule similar to DNA precursors, but scientists say the results do not prove past life.
- On Tuesday, NASA's Curiosity rover identified over 20 organic molecules in clay-rich Martian sandstones within the Gale crater, according to a study led by astrobiologist Amy Williams of the University of Florida published in Nature Communications.
- Researchers performed a novel chemical experiment using tetramethylammonium hydroxide to break down complex organic matter, a technique never before attempted on another planet. The rover only carried two cups of this chemical, requiring careful site selection.
- Among detected compounds was a nitrogen-containing molecule resembling proto-DNA, alongside benzothiophene, a sulfurous chemical often delivered by meteorites. The findings confirm that complex macromolecular carbon remains preserved in Mars's subsurface despite harsh radiation.
- Although the findings indicate Mars was a habitable world, Williams cautioned, "We cannot yet say that Mars ever harbored life." Early in its history, the planet was warmer and wetter than today.
- The validated TMAH technique will serve as a "trailblazer for upcoming planetary missions," Williams said. Versions are destined for the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover at Mars's Oxia Planum and the Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn's moon Titan.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Scientists continue to try to determine whether the Red Planet has ever hosted life. NASA's Curiosity rover has now discovered a diverse mix of organic molecules on Mars, including chemicals thought to be the building blocks of life on Earth. The discovery marks the first time a new type of chemistry experiment has been conducted on a planet other than Earth.
NASA’s Rover Curiosity explorer vehicle has discovered organic molecules on Mars possibly compatible with the basic components of life’s origin on Earth, although it would be necessary to bring in the rocks to verify it. “We believe that we are dealing with organic matter that has been preserved on Mars for 3,500 million years,” said Amy Williams, professor of geology at the University of Florida and scientist of the missions of the Curiosity an…
New elements of life on Mars were discovered by a rover of the Nasa, following new chemical experiments. They could have developed on Mars or been deposited there as a result of the meteorite crash
An experiment of Rover Curiosity, the NASA vehicle that is exploring Mars, detected organic molecules that could be compatible with the basic components that gave rise to life on Earth. This is a chemical experiment for which the set of instruments called Mars Sample Analysis (SAM) was used, which has been a precursor to some of the most notable findings on the red planet. Taking instructions from Earth, Curiosity used the chemical compound TMAH…
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