Rock on Mars possibly indicating Life

In summary, scientists have discovered unusual rock formations on Mars that may suggest the presence of ancient microbial life. The findings, revealed through analysis of images and data from rovers, indicate that these rocks contain organic materials and minerals typically associated with biological processes. Researchers are excited about the implications, as these formations could provide crucial evidence of past life on the planet, prompting further exploration and study of Mars' geological history.
  • #1
BillTre
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NASA people are excited about a new (old actually) rock that their rover Perseverance found a few days ago.

Screenshot 2024-07-25 at 6.37.36 PM.png


Space.com article here.

Short NASA video:

 
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mfb said:
This rock would be a great choice for a sample return mission.
Are there provisions for such a return mission? It would be great if NASA has thought that far ahead. (docking mechanisms and procedures, return missions, etc.) :smile:
 
  • #4
Here is a short Science magazine news article on the rock find.
They are more skeptical about it as an indicator of past life and quote someone who suggests its a PR play for more money for a return the rocks mission.

berkeman said:
Are there provisions for such a return mission? It would be great if NASA has thought that far ahead. (docking mechanisms and procedures, return missions, etc.) :smile:

Here is an older (last year) Science magazine news article about how the previously planned return the rocks mission (AKA Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission) estimated costs went from 4 billion to 11 billion dollars. That's a lot of money, even for NASA. This has caused the return mission to be put on hold or in a bureaucratic Siberia of some kind.

One of the previous rovers (now dead I believe) has an on board lab that would have been better able to analyze the rock's organic chemistry, but it was not needed since it was planned for the samples to be returned to earth labs where things would be better analyzed.
 
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  • #5
Sounds like they need to send a lab to that rock instead of bringing it back, then we'll see if it needs to come back.
 

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