NASA's Curiosity rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, uncovering the largest organic molecules ever recorded on the Red Planet. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers analyzed pulverized rock samples with the rover’s Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) mini-lab to detect complex compounds.
The team identified decane, undecane, and dodecane—molecules composed of 10, 11, and 12 carbon atoms respectively. These compounds are believed to be fragments of fatty acids, which on Earth serve as essential building blocks of life. This advance in Martian organic chemistry hints at a more sophisticated prebiotic environment than previously observed.
Curiosity, the largest rover ever sent to Mars, has consistently pushed the boundaries of our understanding since its landing on August 5, 2012. This new discovery not only fuels scientific debates on the potential pathways to life on Mars but also inspires a diverse, globally connected audience—from tech enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs to cultural explorers and digital nomads—by opening fresh dialogues about our place in the cosmos.
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NASA's Curiosity rover finds largest organic molecules on Mars
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