- Scientists have found fossil evidence of cyclical climates. Marshas wet and dry seasons just like the Earth.
- This environment, where simple organic molecules have already been discovered, may have provided ideal conditions for the formation of complex organic compounds.
- The study opens up new perspectives in the study of the processes underlying the origin of life, with no trace left on Earth.
Use of data from NASAIn a study by NASA’s Curiosity rover, scientists have found evidence of cyclical climate patterns on Mars similar to those on Earth. This momentous discovery brings new perspectives to the study of the origin of life.
The results of this study, carried out by scientists from the CNRS, the University of Toulouse 3 – Paul Sabatier and the Claude Bernard Lyon 1st University, with the participation of CNES, will be published in the journal on August 9, 2023. was done. Nature.
Mars terrain and discoveries so far
Mars’ surface, unlike Earth’s, is not constantly updated by plate tectonics. The result is the preservation of vast terrain areas notable for their abundance of fossil rivers and lakes dating back billions of years. NASA’s Curiosity, the first rover to explore such an ancient site since 2012, had already detected the presence of simple organic molecules. These molecules are formed by both geological and biological processes.
life formation conditions
However, as scientists have hypothesized, the emergence of primitive life forms first requires favorable environmental conditions for the spontaneous organization of these molecules into complex organic compounds. . This is exactly the situation recently discovered by a team of researchers from the Institute for Astrophysics and Planets (CNRS/Université Toulouse 3 – Paul Sabatier/CNES) and the Institute for Geology (CNRS/ENS). de Lyon/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), with colleagues from the United States and Canada.
Evidence for Mars’ Climate Patterns
Using Mastcam and ChemCam Instruments curiosity, they found salt deposits forming hexagonal patterns in 3.8-3.6 billion-year-old sedimentary layers. Similar to the hexagons observed in seasonally dry Earth basins, these are the first fossil evidence of a persistent, periodic, regular Martian climate with dry and wet seasons. Independent laboratory experiments have shown that this type of environment provides ideal conditions for the formation of complex precursors and building blocks of life by repeatedly interacting molecules at different concentrations. Masu. RNA.
Conclusion: Opportunity for Future Research
These new observations should allow scientists to take a fresh look at the large-scale images obtained from orbit, which already identify a number of similar features. there is They now know where to look for traces of the natural processes that gave birth to life that have left no traces on Earth.
NASA’s Curiosity rover
NASA’s Curiosity Rover is a car-sized robotic rover that has been exploring Mars’ Gale Crater since it landed on August 6, 2012. As part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, Curiosity’s primary objective is to determine whether Mars once existed. Appropriate environmental conditions to support microbial life. For this purpose, it is equipped with various instruments that will allow us to conduct unprecedented scientific research on the surface of Mars.
Mastcam is a key instrument on board Curiosity, playing a key role in the exploration and analysis of Mars’ geological features. It consists of a two-camera system mounted on the rover’s “mast” or “head” and provides an excellent vantage point for capturing images of the Martian terrain.
ChemCam is a suite of remote sensing instruments including cameras, lasers and spectrometers used to study the chemistry of Martian rocks and soils.
Together, the Mastcam and ChemCam instruments provide visual and chemical detail to the Martian landscape, enabling scientists to study Mars’ geology and habitability potential with unparalleled depth and precision. Masu.
References: W. Rapin, G. Dromart, BC Clark, J. Schieber, ES Kite, LC Kah, LM Thompson, O. Gasnault, J. Lasue, P.-Y. Cycle,” Methlin, PJ Gusda, NL Lanza, 9 Aug 2023, Available here. Nature.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06220-3