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A sample of Martian rock may contain traces of life

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Scientists have turned their attention to a sample of Martian rock collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover in Lefroy Bay on Mars. Hydrated silica, a mineral capable of preserving evidence of life on the Red Planet, was found in this sample. The researchers concluded that this material should be brought to Earth first, as it could tell us about Mars’ past.

Kenneth Farley of the California Institute of Technology spoke about the significance of the find at the Extreme Materials Analysis Group (EXMAG) meeting. He reported that the sample of Martian rock from Lefroy Bay and other samples from the region contain high amounts of carbonate and silica, indicating an important role for liquid water in their formation. However, it is still unclear whether these samples were formed by groundwater or surface water sources such as lakes or rivers. Either way, it indicates the presence of a suitable environment for life on Mars more than 3.4 billion years ago.

Farley noted that this sample contain chemical compounds that can store biosignatures – signs of life. Therefore, this sample of Martian rock are extremely important to study on Earth. However, the Mars rover Perseverance has also encountered some problems. Some sensors in the MEDA (Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyser) instrument failed, and there were also problems with the spectroscopic elements of the SHERLOC robotic arm. However, experts are already working on solving these problems and plan to fix them soon.

The rover has 38 tubes on board to collect samples of rocks, regolith and even the atmosphere. So far, about two-thirds of the planned samples have been collected, including samples of igneous rocks, argillite and Martian sand. The rover has already placed 10 sealed sample tubes in a kind of ‘warehouse’ in the Jezero crater, and the plan is to have them delivered to Earth as part of NASA’s MSR programme. However, following funding cuts, the agency is revising the previously approved plan, and it is not yet known when scientists will receive the materials.

Kenneth Farley said that the MSR project remains uncertain, but they intend to stick to the original plan and focus on collecting the samples. The Perseverance rover is currently travelling to a region called Bright Angel, where it will explore a different geology. The rover will collect samples during its ascent.

The Mars rover Perseverance arrived on Mars on 18 February 2021 and has already travelled about 27 kilometres. Its main task is to find evidence of the past existence of life in the area of Jezero Crater, which scientists believe was once a lake. As well as sophisticated equipment to collect and analyse soil samples, Perseverance is also equipped with cameras to take pictures and two microphones to record sounds. The payload also included Ingenuity, an unmanned aerial vehicle that would observe the surface of Mars from above and help the rover navigate its way around. However, Ingenuity malfunctioned in late January.

James Mensah
James Mensahhttps://africa-space.com
James Mensah was born on April 21, 1983 in West Africa, Ghana. He is a famous journalist whose biography is full of exciting stories and achievements. From a very young age, James showed an interest in space technology and satellite systems. His curiosity and passion for studying these topics led him to become a journalist, where he was able to share his knowledge and discoveries with the world. James Mensah is a true expert in space technology. It provides accurate and interesting reporting on these topics that allows readers and viewers to immerse themselves in the world of science and discovery. His work generates widespread interest and excitement for his clear and accessible presentation of complex concepts and technologies. James is also actively involved in research and projects related to space technology. His contributions to science and the development of new satellite systems deserve special attention and recognition. Thanks to his talent and professionalism, James Mensah has become a recognized authority in the world of space technology and satellite systems. His work not only expands our knowledge in these areas, but also inspires and motivates us to new discoveries and achievements. In summary, the life and career of James Mensah proves that a love of science and a passion for research can lead to great achievements and attention from around the world. His work is an invaluable contribution to the development of space technology and mankind’s continuous desire to understand and conquer new horizons.

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