NASA's Curiosity rover has analyzed the latest samples of rocks collected on the Martian surface, and all evidence points to Mars containing the necessary components for life.
Scientists have identified some of the critical chemical ingredients for life in the samples, including sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and carbon. An ancient streambed was also analyzed in September, and contained minerals likely to have formed in the presence of "relatively fresh water," according to a statement from NASA.
"A fundamental question for this mission is whether Mars could have supported a habitable environment," said lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program, Michael Meyer. "From what we know now, the answer is yes."
The finding originates from an unusual patch on the Martian terrain. Curiosity's drill uncovered a patch of gray soil that was in stark contrast to the soil that has given Mars its famous red color.
"The range of chemical ingredients we have identified in the sample is impressive, and it suggests pairings such as sulfates and sulfides that indicate a possible chemical energy source for micro-organisms," says Paul Mahaffy, principal investigator of the SAM suite of instruments at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
This was not the first time that Curiosity has come across organic matter on Mars' surface. Back in December 2012 it came across organic molecules known as chloromethanes, and the finding generated quite a buzz in the scientific community. NASA scientists were quick to downplay the findings, however, as they were worried about contamination carried from Earth.
The area that has been covered by the Curiosity rover is known as Yellowknife Bay inside of Gale Crater. NASA is planning on eventually sending the rover to Gale Crater's central mound, Mount Sharp. They hope to investigate the layering on Mount Sharp in order to better identify the type of conditions that may have made life possible on Mars.
