Root 
NASA announced that colorful structures called “leopard spots” and “poppy seeds” collected from a rock sample discovered on Mars by the Perseverance rover are the “clearest indication” that there may have been past life on the Red Planet.
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may have found traces of past life in the “leopard-print” rocks of Mars.
MAY HAVE BEEN FORMED BY ANCIENT LIVING ARTIFACTS
NASA announced that scientists examined a rock sample collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars and found “leopard spots,” which they believe may have been formed by ancient life.
THEY CORRESPOND TO MINERALS
The statement noted that colorful structures resembling poppy seeds and leopard spots found on a rock sample correspond to minerals traditionally formed on Earth by microbial activity.
“THE CLEAREST SIGN OF LIFE EVER”
NASA Interim Administrator Sean Duffy stated, “This may be the clearest sign of life we’ve ever found on Mars.” The study’s lead author, Joel Hurowitz, said the rocks were “probably the most exciting from an astrobiological perspective.”
Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said, “Today, we are one step closer to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: whether we are truly alone in the universe.”
COLLECTED FROM ROCKSHELL FORMED 3 BILLION YEARS AGO
The sample, dubbed “Sapphire Canyon,” was collected by the Perseverance rover from rocky outcrops on the sides of the Neretva Vallis river valley, a region shaped by water flowing into Jezero Crater more than 3 billion years ago.
