"The rover's science instruments found that the formation's sedimentary rocks are composed of clay and silt, which, on Earth, are excellent preservers of past microbial life. They also are rich in organic carbon, sulfur, oxidized iron (rust), and phosphorous."
"[O]ur analysis leads us to conclude that the Bright Angel formation contains textures, chemical and mineral characteristics, and organic signatures that warrant consideration as 'potential biosignatures,'"
"very well could be the clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars,"
"It's like seeing a leftover fossil. Maybe it was a leftover meal, maybe that meal's been excreted and that's what we're seeing here,"
Perseverance examined the Bright Angel formation in Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley that drained into Jezero Crater. The rover's science instruments identified sedimentary mudstones composed of clay and silt and detected abundant organic carbon, sulfur, oxidized iron, and phosphorus. The mudstones exhibit small mineral textures described as "leopard spots" and "poppy seeds." Microbial activity on Earth can transform organic matter in mud to produce similar minerals. The formation's textures, chemical and mineral characteristics, and organic signatures warrant consideration as potential biosignatures, though further research and analysis are required.
Read at Axios
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