“火星上发现新的生命迹象”

Core Viewpoint - NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered unique mudstones on Mars, which may provide the clearest signs of potential ancient life on the planet, characterized by distinctive markings referred to as "leopard spots" and "poppy seeds" [1][3][4] Group 1: Discovery Details - The mudstones, approximately 3.5 billion years old, were found in the Bright Angel Formation, an area previously shaped by river activity [7] - The features observed in the rocks could be explained by biological processes if they were found on Earth, suggesting a possible link to ancient Martian microorganisms [3][4][7] - NASA has classified these findings as "potential biosignatures," warranting further investigation to determine their biological origin [1][3] Group 2: Scientific Implications - The analysis indicates that a series of chemical reactions occurred in the sediment, potentially involving interactions between mud and organic materials, leading to the formation of new minerals [7][8] - While natural geological processes could also explain the mineral formation, the absence of high temperatures in the rocks suggests a biological influence [7][8] - The only definitive way to confirm the microbial origin of these minerals would be to return the samples to Earth for analysis, a plan currently facing budget cuts [3][8] Group 3: Future Missions - NASA's plans for a Mars sample return mission are uncertain due to budget constraints outlined in the proposed 2026 fiscal budget [3][8] - In contrast, China's Tianwen-3 mission aims to launch in 2028 and return samples by 2031, potentially achieving a historic milestone in Mars exploration [10]