NASA unearths largest organic molecules yet, fueling life origin speculation

(MENAFN) NASA's Curiosity rover has made a significant discovery on Mars, revealing the largest organic molecules ever detected on the Red Planet. Researchers analyzing pulverized rock samples found evidence of decane, undecane, and dodecane, complex carbon-based compounds, according to a study released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

These molecules, believed to be fragments of fatty acids, are crucial organic components on Earth, serving as the building blocks of life. The detection of these larger, more complex compounds suggests that prebiotic chemistry on Mars may have progressed further than previously understood.

While Curiosity has previously identified smaller, simpler organic molecules, this latest finding marks a substantial advancement. The presence of these larger molecules indicates a potential progression towards the complexity necessary for the origin of life, sparking renewed interest in the possibility of past or present life on Mars.

The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing Martian exploration and the valuable insights it provides into the potential for life beyond Earth. The research team's findings contribute significantly to our understanding of Mars's past and the potential for habitable environments in the solar system.

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