Since landing in 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover has been exploring Jezero Crater, a site believed to have once hosted a lake. Now, new findings from the crater’s “Neretva Vallis” suggest something extraordinary: minerals that, on Earth, are often linked to microbial metabolisms consuming organic matter.
While scientists emphasize caution — these could also result from non-biological processes — the discovery represents a potential biosignature. This means complex chemical reactions occurred on Mars long ago, whether life-driven or not.
One rock in particular, named Cheyava Falls in the “Bright Angel” formation, is now at the center of researchers’ attention.
he plot thickens: Are we on the brink of discovering evidence of ancient life on Mars?
@NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
