NASA’s Perseverance rover has shed new light on the potential for life on Mars by revealing clues about the planet’s volcanic past. Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Michael Tice, have analyzed rocks collected by the rover and found evidence of two types of mineral-rich volcanic rocks. The discovery suggests that Mars may have had prolonged volcanic activity, which could have provided essential compounds for life.
Tice and his team discovered dark rocks with iron, magnesium, and other minerals, as well as light-toned trachyandesite rocks with plagioclase crystals and potassium. By simulating the formation of these minerals, the researchers determined that Mars’ volcanic history is complex enough to have produced key compounds necessary for life.
While Perseverance has provided valuable insights, its toolkit is limited compared to Earth-based research. The team looks forward to the upcoming Mars Sample Return mission, which will allow them to analyze the rocks in more detail and search for biological signatures.
The findings were published in the journal Science Advances on January 24, 2025.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/mars/could-mars-volcanoes-have-supported-ancient-life-on-the-red-planet-well-maybe