Searching for humanity has taken life on Mars a big step forward while discovering organic molecules that resemble the basic building blocks of life on Earth.
Since the landing in 2012, NASA Rover has made multiple discoveries indicating that Mars may have had a living conditions. Now, scientists have identified the longest organic molecules ever on the Red Planet – which provides new visions in their potential to support life.
A detailed report on these Results It was recently published in pnas By the scholars of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), In cooperation with researchers from the United States, Mexico and Spain.
Curiosity goals Rover
Although he was originally planned as a two -year mission, curiosity is still investigating the climate of Mars and geology after more than a decade. Its primary focus is the stormy hole, where the data collects to determine whether Mars has the appropriate conditions for life.
In addition to searching for the ability to benefit from the past, curiosity research also helps scientists prepare for the future human exploration of Mars.
Among the many advanced tools in RoverThe sample analysis in the Mars Pavilion (SAM) plays an important role. SAM examines the weather and rock samples of organic vehicles using high -resolution tools, including the mass running, gas chromatic, and laser lines.
Early in 2013, curiosity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and other essential geochi elements that could support life.
Read more: Evidence of ancient beaches that shows us Mars with large ice -free oceans
The particles are similar to organic matter on the ground
In previous studies, curiosity identifies organic molecules in sedimentary rocks inside the storm hole, with structures that contain up to six carbon atoms. However, the recent discovery revealed carbon chains that reach 12 carbon atoms – similar to fatty acids that play major roles in biological processes on the ground. Laboratory follow -up experiences confirmed that these molecules are long -chain carboxyl acids.
Thanks to the conditions friendly to preserve Mars, these organic compounds remained intact in the clay stone for approximately 3.7 billion years-which dates back to the period when life appeared for the first time on Earth.
Although the exact origin of these molecules is still unclear, researchers indicate that it could have been formed through biological or non -biological processes.
More upcoming tasks
The discovery of these long -term organic molecules is a major penetration in the study of Mars. As curiosity continues to its mission, scientists are particularly interested in identifying areas with high potential to maintain membership. Understanding the origins and distribution of these molecules can bring us closer to the detection of signs of complex chemistry that resembles Mars.
These results pave the way for the tasks of exploring the next planets. In 2028, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the EXOMARS mission, with the aim of analyzing the surface of Mars for organic vehicles. Meanwhile, NASA’s joint ingary project is planning to return Mars soil samples to Earth during the next decade.
Looking after Mars, the Dragonfly mission – which will be launched in 2034 – will send a drone to explore the largest Saturn, Titan. Dragonfly will achieve equipped with similar tools for Curiosity’s Sam Suite, in a organic Titan environment, providing another exciting opportunity to study basic building blocks outside the ground.
Read more: Mars contains water for the ocean – but it is deep under the surface
condition sources
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After working as a vital physician assistant in laboratories in three countries, Jenny excels in translating complex scientific concepts – starting with medical breakthroughs and pharmaceutical discoveries to the latest in nutrition – to attractive and accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human development, psychology and strange animal stories. When you are not immersed in a famous scientific book, you will find it picking waves or wandering around the Vancouver island on its long board.