Curiosity Rover Detects Diverse Organic Molecules Preserved in Ancient Martian Rocks

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:06:00 +0200

NASA’s Curiosity rover has identified a diverse set of organic molecules on Mars, including compounds associated with the chemistry of life on Earth. These findings come from a novel chemical experiment conducted directly on the Martian surface using the rover’s Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. Scientists detected more than 20 organic compounds, including a nitrogen-containing molecule with similarities to structures involved in DNA, marking the first time such a compound has been observed on Mars.

The molecules were found in clay-rich rocks within Gale Crater, a region believed to have once contained a lake. These clays are known for their ability to trap and preserve organic material over billions of years. Researchers estimate that some of the detected organic matter may be around 3.5 billion years old, offering valuable insight into Mars’ ancient environment and its potential habitability.

To perform the analysis, scientists used a chemical reagent called TMAH to b