The United States, Mexican and Spanish scientists have so far discovered the longest organic molecules known to Mars. These carbon chains contain up to 12 consecutive carbon atom and are similar to fatty acids that occur as a result of biological activity on earth. The study was published in the scientific journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAs).
Discovery has been made on the NASA Curiosity Marsh via Sam instrument, which is studied by the Gayley Crater 2012. The sample age is about 3.7 billion years old, gives a special value of the find. This corresponds to the period when life was just beginning to occur on Earth. Exclusive maintenance of organic matter is explained by the lack of geological activity and the cold, dry climate of Mars.
The found molecules open new perspectives to the Red Planet for searching for the traces of ancient life. They will help customize the goals of the upcoming missions, including European Exomars (launched in 2028) and NASA-ESA's joint project to return the land of Mars (2030s).
The biological origin of molecules has not yet been proven, their existence confirms that the Mars existed complex organic chemistry, which could potentially lead to life.
Translation of: Manuel Tamazyan
