Curiosity Detects Complex Organics in 3.5-Billion-Year Martian Rocks
TL;DR
NASA’s Curiosity rover, using a novel TMAH-based wet chemistry, identified over 20 organic molecules in clay-rich rocks from Glen Torridon in Gale Crater, including compounds like naphthalene and benzothiophene. The discovery, among the most complex organics found on Mars, points to chemical precursors to more complex molecules and adds to evidence that ancient Mars could have been habitable.
- NASA's Curiosity finds never before seen organic molecules on Mars USA Today
- Diverse organic molecules on Mars revealed by the first SAM TMAH experiment Nature
- Mars rover discovers organic molecules - hinting at possibility of ancient life Sky News
- NASA’s Curiosity Finds Organic Molecules Never Seen Before on Mars NASA (.gov)
- Preserved for billions of years, organic compounds found on Mars Courthouse News
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on USA Today