The Red Planet may look pretty dry and desert-like now, but Mars may have had the very origins of life.
In fact, scientists know that liquid water has existed on Mars for at least 200 million years.
Signs of water are the most important indicator that life may exist in the universe, and new research suggests molecules needed for life could have formed when there was water on Mars. is suggested.
This research investigates the origins of organic matter on Mars and studies conditions that may have existed on Mars billions of years ago.
Researchers at Tohoku University say their study suggests that formaldehyde in Mars’ atmosphere may have triggered the formation of biomolecules. scientific report.
All of this points to further encouraging signs in the search for evidence that life once existed on Mars.
The researchers used computer models to simulate conditions on Mars at the time and concluded that formaldehyde was likely to be found because the atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. .
The research team led by lead author Shungo Koyama stated as follows. [formaldehyde] It can be used to form a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids and sugars. ”
The study also believes it is plausible that “early Mars, particularly during the Noachian and early Hesperian periods, had a continuous supply of biologically important sugars.”
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