2020 Mars immigrants

Curiosity found organic molecules in sedimentary rocks with a history of 3 billion years near the surface of Mars. The researchers also found the seasonal fluctuation of methane content in the atmosphere of Mars. This new discovery is called the most convincing evidence that ancient life may exist on Mars so far.

Of course, these findings cannot be evidence of life on Mars. Another paper published in the journal Nature on June 8 mentioned that although the discovery of organic molecules is usually related to life, many organic molecules are not produced by living things, but may be formed by inanimate objects on the surface of Mars or may come from space. However, scientists also said that this is a good sign for exploring Mars in the future.

Since Curiosity landed in August 20 12, many soil and gravel samples have been screened for signs of organic molecules. However, the previous tests were weak and may even leave some pollution. However, Curiosity was not without success. Since 20 13, the research team has been getting the "signal" of life from Mars through Curiosity.

The research team led by Dr. Chris Webster of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory found methane in the atmosphere of Mars. In the subsequent analysis of SAM instrument, not only a stable methane background was found, but also a seasonal peak was found. However, at present, people don't know the source of methane or the driving force of methane release. Although methane is produced in many geological processes, it can only be speculated that it may be related to biological processes.

This time, Curiosity found complex organic molecules in samples collected from two different drilling sites on an ancient lake bed. It is said that these macromolecules look very similar to the viscosity of oil and natural gas on earth. The discovery of organic molecules and methane on Mars is of far-reaching significance to the proposition that there may be life on Mars.

The Mars exploration program is still in progress. Europe's ExoMars rover will be launched in 2020. It is said that it drills deeper than Curiosity and can better protect the soil from radiation and pollution. NASA's next Mars probe "Mars 2020" is also expected to be launched to this red planet in 2020, and it is planned to collect 30 cores in the next mission. "Iron Man" Musk has always wanted to send humans to Mars, and once claimed to build a city on Mars. Whether mankind can really take this big step and fly to Mars to take root is unknown, but it is a small step to discover organic molecules, which is commendable.