Ashley Murphy

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NASA rover confirms organic carbon in ancient Mars mudstones

Continuing analysis of the Bright Angel samples

NASA's Perseverance rover has confirmed organic carbon in two mudstone rocks in Jezero Crater, the clearest evidence yet that the raw material for life was present on ancient Mars. The carbon sits a few microns below the surface, shallower than the thickness of a sheet of paper and the shallowest such detection ever made there.

Updated 1 hour ago

Notable Quotes

While the specific formation mechanism of the MMC detected in the Bright Angel mudstones remains unknown, this is still one of the most exciting findings to date.

from NASA rover confirms organic carbon in ancient Mars mudstones · Updated 1 hour ago

It is encouraging for Martian habitability.

from NASA rover confirms organic carbon in ancient Mars mudstones · Updated 1 hour ago