A Mars rover operated by NASA has found an interesting rock that scientists think might show signs of ancient microbial life. The rover, named Perseverance, collected the rock on July 21 and it has been nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” by the team. The area where the rock was found is believed to have been a river valley created by water flowing into Jezero Crater billions of years ago. Scientists working on the mission have observed chemical signatures and structures in the rock that could potentially have been formed by life long ago.
The rock has been examined using imaging equipment and various scientific instruments. Although the rock shows signs of organic compounds, further research is needed to confirm if there was indeed microbial life present. Perseverance has been busy collecting samples from the Martian surface using its robotic arm and drilling equipment. So far, it has gathered 22 samples, which will be brought back to Earth in the future.
The rock contains white veins possibly made from calcium sulfate, and lines of material with a reddish color suggesting the presence of hematite, a common substance on Earth. The discoveries so far strengthen the idea of flowing water on Mars in the past. However, more analysis is needed to fully understand the history of the rock sample and its potential link to microbial life on Mars.
Perseverance team member, David Flannery, mentioned that these rock elements are often connected to the fossilized record of microbes living underground on Earth. Bringing the rock sample back to Earth for further study in laboratories is seen as crucial to unraveling the mysteries of Mars’ ancient past.
The Perseverance mission continues to uncover fascinating clues about the history of the Red Planet and the potential for past life on Mars.
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from NASA and Agence-France Presse.
Vocabulary List:
- Microbial /maɪˈkroʊ.bi.əl/ (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of microorganisms especially bacteria.
- Perseverance /ˌpɜːr.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun): The quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties.
- Organic /ɔːrˈɡænɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or derived from living matter; contains carbon compounds.
- Compounds /ˈkɑːm.paʊndz/ (noun): Substances formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded.
- Analysis /əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/ (noun): A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
- Hematite /ˈhiː.mə.taɪt/ (noun): A reddish-black mineral consisting of iron oxide used as an ore of iron.
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