NASA scientists say Perseverance may have uncovered the clearest evidence of ancient microbial life on Mars.
Tiny iron- and phosphorus-rich specks, nicknamed “poppy seeds” and “leopard spots,” could point to biological processes.
NASA scientists have announced what could be the strongest evidence yet of ancient life on Mars, following discoveries by the Perseverance rover. Samples collected from a dried river channel known as Neretva Vallis contain sediment structures dating back 3.5 to 3.7 billion years.
Researchers identified dark, iron- and phosphorus-rich specks dubbed “poppy seeds,” alongside larger rosettes with pale centres nicknamed “leopard spots.” These formations resemble patterns created by microbial activity on Earth. The rover also found white calcium sulfate veins and hematite, a mineral that gives Mars its red colour.
Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator, said: “This very well could be the clearest sign of life that we’ve ever found on Mars.” Scientists stressed that chemical processes might also explain the findings, but the evidence strongly suggests a biological origin.
Samples remain sealed in Perseverance’s storage tubes, awaiting a potential return mission to Earth for deeper analysis.