Scientists Find Giant Organic Molecules on Mars as Old as Life on Earth

A team of scientists just discovered the longest organic molecules yet seen on Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun and and a tantalizing venue for humankind’s search for life beyond Earth. Mars today is inhospitable, with significant temperature fluctuations, a thin atmosphere, and an apparent dearth of liquid water on the planet’s surface. But according to new research, published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, large molecules found on Mars apparently are as old as life on Earth, raising questions about biological activity on an ancient Mars. The molecules are long carbon chains, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms. The molecules sat preserved on Mars for about 3.7 billion years, undisturbed by geological activity, moisture, or heat. The molecules date to about the same time as the earliest-known signs of life on our planet. Curiosity has roved Mars for years, revealing new details of the planet’s ancient environment. Key to that environment is c ... Read full article.