this post was submitted on 24 Mar 2025

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Nasa rover discovers largest organic compounds yet found on Mars (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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Summary

NASA’s Curiosity rover discovered the largest organic compounds ever detected on Mars in a 3.7-billion-year-old rock sample from Yellowknife Bay.

The compounds, including long-chain alkanes, could result from chemical reactions or remnants of ancient Martian life.

Scientists found hints of fatty acid patterns similar to those in terrestrial biochemistry, but no definitive evidence of life.

Researchers call it the best opportunity yet to identify potential life remnants on Mars, though further analysis requires returning the samples to Earth for isotope testing.

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[–] anindefinitearticle@sh.itjust.works 12 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

long chain alkanes

P E T R O L E U M

Nothing says remnants of life like fatty acids reduced to hydrocarbon.

[–] cymbal_king@lemmy.world 12 points 2 weeks ago

Sounds like Mars needs some freedom

[–] Crashumbc@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago

US liberating Mars in 3 2 1 ...