NASA scientists say they may have uncovered the strongest indication yet of ancient microbial life on Mars, after a rock sample collected by the Perseverance Rover revealed unexplained organic signatures.
At a press briefing, Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy noted that researchers had spent a year scrutinizing the findings. “In the past, our evidence always had alternative explanations,” he said. “This time, none can be found.”
Nicola “Nicky” Fox, head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, emphasized that the discovery does not point to living organisms but to fossil-like chemical traces left behind billions of years ago. “It’s the closest we’ve come to confirming ancient life on Mars,” she explained.
The Sapphire Canyon Sample
The breakthrough comes from Sapphire Canyon, a rock retrieved in July 2024 near Jezero Crater, a region once shaped by flowing rivers. Scientists detected unusual markings — described as “poppy seeds” and “leopard spots” — along with carbon signals consistent with microbial activity.
The sample’s mineral composition, including vivianite and greigite, typically forms in environments influenced by life. “While geological processes are possible, none fit neatly with the data,” said Joel Hurowitz of Stony Brook University, lead author of the study.
The Bigger Picture
NASA officials stressed the discovery represents a signature of life, not direct evidence. To confirm the findings, the sample must be returned to Earth under the Mars Sample Return (MSR) program.
But MSR is facing budget and engineering hurdles, raising questions about its future. “We’ve pushed Perseverance to its limits,” said project scientist Katie Stack Morgan. Duffy added that while NASA remains committed, “continuing with missions that can’t meet budget and timing would be foolish.”
Meanwhile, China has announced plans to return Mars samples by 2031 — potentially beating NASA by two years. “We lead and will continue to lead,” Duffy said, though delays have put U.S. leadership under pressure in this new space race.
