Surface spots and nodules on rocks in ancient river valley are described in new study as ‘potential biosignatures’
Unusual features found in rocks on Mars may be the handiwork of ancient microbial life that eked out an existence on the red planet billions of years ago.
The rocks were spotted by Nasa’s Perseverance rover as it trundled along Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley that was carved into the landscape by water flowing into the Jezero crater in the planet’s distant past.
The rover, which touched down in Jezero crater in 2021, encountered the rocks last year as it explored an outcrop called the Bright Angel formation on the northern edge of the ancient valley.
Instruments onboard the rover detected signs of carbon-based compounds in the rocks, while images captured intriguing surface spots and nodules that are often associated with microbial life on Earth.
