What if these tiny green specks discovered by Perseverance while observing a Martian rock are the long-awaited proof that Mars was indeed home to extraterrestrial life? Until this moment, nothing confirms this and nothing denies it. So there is hope!
This is a very small green spot on a rock that the rover is carrying perseveranceperseverance During its ascent, it crossed Jezero Crater. A very small speck of green, yet it maintains hope that life could exist on Mars.
On its way to the top, Perseverance actually stopped at the location known as “ serpentineserpentine slopes “, whose land is strewn with red rocks that attractedeyeeye Of the rover and the scientists. These rocks are common on Earth. They are called the “Red Family” and are found particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, where they form the typical setting for American western films. It's about to Sedimentary rocksSedimentary rocksthe follower SandstoneSandstone associated LimestoneLimestoneIts red color comes from the presence of iron oxides (Fe3+).
Green spots on the ground are often associated with biological activity
To analyze its composition, Perseverance used its abrasive tool to create a “new” (unchanged) surface on a surface bumpbump specific Wallace Butte. And there is a surprise! The corroded surface showed white and black areas… as well as some green spots. It is this last observation that caught the attention of scientists. Because on Earth, these green spots form in red layers when water seeps through them SedimentsSediments It remains loose, triggering a chemical reaction that converts the oxidized iron into an iron ion2+ (reduced form). However, this reduction reaction sometimes involves microbial activity, or the presence of organic matter in the decomposition process. Favorable conditions to reduce ironiron However, they can also be obtained without the help of living organisms, through interaction between them SulfurSulfur And iron.
Vital or abiotic, as always, the question remains
Even if there is no certainty at the moment, we can hope that these small green spots represent evidence of life on Mars. Unfortunately, to be clear, more in-depth analyzes using SHERLOCK and PIXL tools were necessary. However, the site configuration did not allow Perseverance to use these two tools.
Therefore, the question of the origin of these green spots remains unresolved. But scientists do not despair. Perseverance still has a long way to go, and the rover is sure to make exciting new discoveries along the way!
