Scientists have discovered a new technique to identify tiny fossils on Earth that could be replicated on Mars, potentially revealing hints of early life on the red planet. The method involves analyzing minerals like gypsum and clay, which can preserve fossilized microorganisms. Researchers believe that if microbial life once existed in Martian oceans, its fossils might still be trapped in these minerals.
The technique was tested on a gypsum quarry in Algeria, where ancient bacteria were found preserved in minerals around 6 million years ago. The researchers suggest that this location could parallel potential fossil sites on Mars. If microbial life developed in the red planet’s oceans, chances are that their fossils would be preserved in sulfates, which are similar to those found in Algerian gypsum.
A team of scientists used a miniaturized laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer called LIMS to analyze the gypsum samples. The tool can identify unknown compounds by vaporizing part of the material and analyzing its chemical composition. This method allowed researchers to pinpoint chemical traces of ancient microbes within dolomite, clay minerals, and pyrite.
While the results are promising, scientists caution that distinguishing true biosignatures from abiotic mineral formations remains a challenge. Additionally, Mars has unique environmental conditions that could affect biosignature preservation over geological periods. Further studies are needed to confirm the detection method’s effectiveness on Martian samples.
The development of this technique brings hope for future missions to Mars, including the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover scheduled to launch in 2028 with mass spectrometry technology.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-hope-this-tool-could-identify-tiny-fossils-on-mars-revealing-hints-to-potential-early-life-on-the-planet-180986169