NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

MANILA — NASA’s Curiosity rover has detected the largest organic molecules ever found on Mars, making a big breakthrough in the search for signs of past life on the Red Planet.

The discovery, published on March 24 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that Mars’ ancient environment may have supported complex chemical processes integral for life.

It brought scientists one step closer to answering the long-held question: Was there ever life on Mars?

According to the NASA report, scientists investigated a rock sample inside Curiosity's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) mini-lab and detected three long-chain organic molecules: decane, undecane, and dodecane. 

These compounds, which contain 10 to 12 carbon, are believed to be fragments of fatty acids which on Earth play an important function in forming cell membranes and biological functions. 

However, scientists emphasize that these compounds can also form through non-biological processes.

“Our study proves that, even today, by analyzing Mars samples we could detect chemical signatures of past life, if it ever existed on Mars,” said Caroline Freissinet, the lead author and scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

Trump vows to plant flag on Mars, omits mention of Moon return

DISCOVERY

The organic molecules were discovered in a rock sample nicknamed, “Cumberland,” which was drilled by Curiosity back in May 2013 from an area in Mars’ Gale Crater called “Yellowknife Bay. 

Scientists had previously found the sample to be rich in clay minerals, sulfur, nitrates, and methane — all of which are linked with environments that could support life. 

Most importantly, it was determined that Yellowknife was once a site of an ancient lake, where molecules could have been preserved and concentrated.

The discovery of these long-chain organic molecules was a side effect when scientists were searching for amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 

When the sample was heated twice inside SAM’s oven, the team saw no evidence of amino acids but detected small amounts of decane, undecane, and dodecane. 

The compounds suggest that they may have come from larger fatty acids, hinting at more complex organics beneath the surface.

NASA scientists believe that this discovery strengthens the case for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which intends to bring the Martian rock back to Earth for more laboratory testing.

“We are ready to take the next big step and bring Mars samples home to our labs to settle the debate about life on Mars,” said Daniel Glavin, senior scientist for sample return at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Liquid ocean discovered beneath Mars surface

RENEWED HOPE

Curiosity’s discovery has given renewed hope and excitement to the scientific community. 

Future missions such as the Perseverance rover’s Mars Sample Return program will be significant in discovering and solving the planet’s broad biological history.

Although the ultimate answer remains uncertain, the discovery of these organic molecules suggest that Mars once had conditions favorable for life. 

However, scientists cannot confirm whether these molecules came from biological sources or through non-biological processes. 

The only way to determine this is by bringing the samples back to earth for further research. 

Until then, the search for life on Mars continues.