Unusual compounds in rocks on Mars may be sign of ancient microbial life

Surface spots and nodules on rocks in ancient river valley are described in new study as ‘potential biosignatures’

Unusual features found in rocks on Mars may be the handiwork of ancient microbial life that eked out an existence on the red planet billions of years ago.

The rocks were spotted by Nasa’s Perseverance rover as it trundled along Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley that was carved into the landscape by water flowing into the Jezero crater in the planet’s distant past.