Organic Carbon on Mars Measured for the First Time

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) rover named Curiosity, which is working on Mars, broke new ground. Scientists have made some measurements for the first time in the rock fragments collected by this space explorer. The purpose of the measurements was to illuminate whether there is life on Mars. The measurements made gave very important findings that will enable us to explore Mars.

The aim of the scientists was to understand how many carbon molecules attached to the hydrogen atom are found on the Martian surface. This was very important. Because, according to the scientific world, the foundations of life were laid thanks to carbon molecules attached to the hydrogen atom. Scientists reached the desired result in the measurements they made. Scientists who found organic carbon on Mars in their previous research, this time measured the amount of these organic compounds for the first time.

The amount of organic carbon on Mars is even greater than in some places on Earth

Measurements by NASA engineers have determined that at least 200 to 273 of the one million particles on Mars are organic carbon. Making statements about this measurement, NASA official Jennifer Stern said that this amount is important. According to Stern, the amount of organic carbon on Mars was even higher than the amount of organic carbon in the Atacama Desert, where there is the least evidence of life on our planet.

This measurement does not prove that there is life on Mars!

The abundance of the organic component, known as the basis of life, on Mars may lead to the assumption that there is life on Mars. However, such an approach is not entirely correct. Because organic carbon may have spread to Mars thanks to inanimate matter. Perhaps a volcanic eruption dispersed this organic compound onto the Martian surface. For experts to find out if there is life on Mars, they need to find the source of organic carbon.