NASA’s Curiosity Finds Organic Molecules Never Seen Before on Mars

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-science-laboratory/curiosity-rover/nasas-curiosity-finds-organic-molecules-never-seen-before-on-mars/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nn202616 After years of laboratory work, the results are finally in: A rock sample that NASA’s Curiosity rover drilled and analyzed in 2020 contains the most diverse set of organic molecules ever discovered on Mars. Of the 21 carbon‑based molecules identified, seven have never before been detected on the Red Planet. Scientists have no way of knowing whether these organic molecules were created by biologic or geologic processes — either path is possible — but their discovery renewed confirmation that ancient Mars had the right chemistry to support life.