Mars Rover Discovers Abundant Evidence of Ancient Life

WHO:

The Register - An international team of scientists is involved in the research.

Live Science - Ashley Murphy, a researcher at the Planetary Science Institute, is a co-author of the study.

WHAT:

The Register - The Perseverance rover found signs of macromolecular carbon (MMC) in Martian rock dubbed Cheyava Falls.

Live Science - Researchers discovered the highest concentration of organic molecules found on Mars to date in mudstones in Jezero Crater.

The Register - The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Live Science - The Cheyava Falls sample was originally supposed to be brought to Earth in the 2030s as part of a Mars Sample Return program.

WHERE:

The Register - The discoveries were made in Jezero Crater, specifically in the rock formation known as Cheyava Falls.

Live Science - The Bright Angel outcrop in Jezero Crater is also mentioned as a significant location for the findings.

WHEN:

Live Science - Perseverance landed in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021.

Live Science - The study was published on June 24 in the journal Science Advances.

Live Science - The Tianwen-3 sample-return mission is due to launch no sooner than 2028.

WHY:

The Register - The discovery of MMCs could indicate that habitability and the availability of organics may have been widespread across Mars billions of years ago.

Live Science - The presence of complex carbon molecules hints that Mars may have once harbored life.

HOW:

The Register - The discovery was made using two instruments on the Perseverance rover: SHERLOC and WATSON.

Live Science - Researchers used the SHERLOC instrument to map the carbon distribution in the rocks and sediments.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 08:14 UTC)

An international team of scientists, including Ashley Murphy from the Planetary Science Institute, has made a groundbreaking discovery with the Perseverance rover, which found signs of macromolecular carbon in Martian rock known as Cheyava Falls. This research, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals the highest concentration of organic molecules found on Mars to date, specifically in mudstones located in Jezero Crater. The findings suggest that billions of years ago, Mars may have been more habitable than previously thought, with the potential for life indicated by the presence of these complex carbon molecules.