Scientists have announced the discovery of the largest organic molecules, alkanes, ever found on Mars, potentially derived from fatty acids dating back 3.7 billion years. The molecules were identified by NASA's Curiosity rover in a mudstone sample from the Yellowknife Bay region of Gale crater, a former lake environment. While not definitive proof of past life, the discovery suggests that detecting chemical signatures of life on Mars is possible.
In a separate study, researchers from the University of Lisbon analyzed 20 years of data from the European Mars Express mission, focusing on atmospheric waves. The study examined 263 groups of atmospheric waves, including dry ice waves, water waves, and dust storms. The analysis revealed significant asymmetries between the southern and northern hemispheres of Mars, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Martian climate.
Both studies contribute to understanding Mars' potential for past life and its current atmospheric dynamics. NASA is planning a mission to retrieve samples cached by the Perseverance rover to further investigate the possibility of life on Mars.