Curiosity uncovers organic clues in ancient Martian clay
NASA’s Curiosity rover analyzed clay minerals in Gale Crater’s Glen Torridon region and identified over 20 organic compounds, including a nitrogen-containing molecule resembling proto-DNA, suggesting ancient Martian environments could have supported life. While not proof of past life, the findings show large, complex organics can be preserved in the shallow subsurface and guide future missions (e.g., Rosalind Franklin, Dragonfly) in the search for life’s building blocks.
