NASA’s Perseverance rover has found Martian rocks that could contain evidence of ancient microbial life, researchers reported on Wednesday. Since landing in Jezero Crater in 2021, Perseverance has been searching for traces of life in this area, which once held a lake in Mars’ northern hemisphere.
In summer 2024, the rover collected samples from Sapphire Canyon, a site within Neretva Vallis, a river channel that once brought water into Jezero Crater. These samples, studied using the rover’s scientific instruments, contained minerals such as vivianite and greigite, which often form from chemical reactions between mud and organic matter.
Scientists believe these minerals can result from microbial activity, but further study on Earth is needed for confirmation. Returning the samples may be delayed, as proposed changes to the Mars Sample Return program could impact future analysis.
In summer 2024, the rover collected samples from Sapphire Canyon, a site within Neretva Vallis, a river channel that once brought water into Jezero Crater. These samples, studied using the rover’s scientific instruments, contained minerals such as vivianite and greigite, which often form from chemical reactions between mud and organic matter.
Scientists believe these minerals can result from microbial activity, but further study on Earth is needed for confirmation. Returning the samples may be delayed, as proposed changes to the Mars Sample Return program could impact future analysis.
