PREVIEW

Scientists have discovered the largest organic compounds ever detected on Mars, raising the prospects of life having been present on the red planet. Curiosity drilled into the rock target known as “Cumberland” on the 279th Martian day, or sol, of its mission (19 May 2013), collecting a powdered sample from within. A team analysing the pulverised rock has now identified complex compounds. The discovery suggests that prebiotic chemistry on Mars may have progressed further than previously thought. The research team identified decane, undecane, and dodecane—compounds consisting of 10, 11, and 12 carbon atoms respectively. These molecules are believed to be fragments of fatty acids preserved within the Martian rock. On Earth, fatty acids serve as fundamental components of biological membranes and other essential biochemical processes. The study raises hopes that large organic molecules, including potential biosignatures - compounds that can only be formed by living organisms could have been preserved on Mars despite the planet's exposure to intense radiation and oxidation over millions of years.