Life on Mars? Scientists Uncover Long Organic Molecules on the Red Planet

• READ MORE: Rover uncovers signs of 'holiday-like' shores on Mars

Unusually large organic molecules have been found. Mars , providing additional proof that life might have previously existed on Mars.

Scientists have discovered lengthy carbon chains with up to 12 linked atoms in specimens of ancient Martian rocks that are several billion years old.

These carbon-based compounds – the most extensive ones detected up to this point – might stem from fatty acids, which serve as fundamental components of lipids such as fats and oils and are produced on our planet via biological processes.

Scientists stated that the finding is of 'significant interest' in the quest for possible indications of life.

The samples were gathered using SAM, which stands for Sample Analysis at Mars – an instrument onboard the spacecraft. NASA The Curiosity Rover, which has been exploring the Gale Crater since 2012.

It features both a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer, enabling it to analyze and identify molecules within samples.

The analysis showed that the gathered mudstone includes the organic compounds decane, undercane, and dodecane.

The absence of geological activity along with Mars' frigid and dry environment has aided in maintaining this precious organic material over the last 3.7 billion years.

The experts stated that it thus originates from the era when life first appeared on our planet.

Although fatty acids are crucial components of living cells on our planet, these compounds can also originate from non-biological, or abiotic, processes—those driven by physical factors instead of biological ones, they noted.

In the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the research team reported that their achievements open up new possibilities for upcoming missions aimed at discovering evidence of intricate, life-resembling chemistry.

'They noted that organic molecules conserved within old Martian rocks offer essential evidence for the Red Planet’s potential to support life in the past and might serve as indicators of biological activity.'

The origin of the long-chain alkanes is still unclear; nonetheless, lab tests suggest they come from the saturated version of straight-chain, primary carboxylic acids [fatty acids].

While abiotic processes may produce these acids, they are regarded as common outcomes of biochemical activities—both earthly and possibly Martian.

'Hence, the origin and spread of these molecules are highly significant in the quest for possible biosignatures on Mars.'

Exploring more lifelike chemistry on Mars will be among the objectives of the European Space Agency’s forthcoming ExoMars mission, scheduled for launch in 2028.

The researchers behind this project will develop an apparatus akin to SAM for use with Dragonfly—the drone scheduled to investigate Titan, Saturn's biggest moon, starting in 2034.

A recent study suggested that Mars previously had sunny shores with tranquil waters gently washing over fine sands.

Scientists found signs of a 'getaway-like' setting on the Red Planet, even though no evident liquid exists on Mars’ surface nowadays.

A global group of researchers leveraged information gathered by China’s Zhurong Mars rover to reveal concealed strata beneath the Martian terrain, which provides robust evidence for the existence of a vast primordial sea in what is now the planet’s north.

The latest study provides the strongest proof to date that the planet previously had a substantial amount of water and a more hospitable setting for life, according to the scientists.