NASA’s Perseverance rover may have discovered a crucial clue on Mars, potentially indicating past life. On July 18, the rover found a red rock with distinctive spots, possibly formed by ancient chemical reactions that supported microbes.

The rock, nicknamed “Cheyava Falls,” shows signs of water flow and contains organic molecules. The spots could reveal microbial activity, although the rock’s origin is still under investigation. Preliminary research suggests it may have been formed from mud and organic compounds later altered by water or high temperatures.

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This discovery is pivotal as Perseverance continues exploring Mars for evidence of past life, with plans to return samples to Earth for detailed analysis.