For seven months the Curiosity rover has been traipsing around Mars in search of proof that it was once able to contain life and it’s finally found it!
Rock samplings collected last month were analysed and the results have finally come in. They state that, as expected and hoped, the Red Planet was once capable of supporting life!
The samples contained clay minerals that are generally formed in a water environment which is the ideal environment for microbes to develop and grow. Scientists say that organisms that derive their energy and life support from rocks exist on Earth today and so it’s very likely that those are the organisms that once existed on Mars, as well.
Curiosity continues on its exploration of Mars by making its way to the base of Mount Sharp where it will begin searching for evidence of past life on Mars. We think with what Curiosity has found so far, the future is looking bright!