- A new NASA study, led by scientists at NASA Goddard and Penn State, suggests that key protein building blocks can survive for tens of millions of years in pure Martian ice.
- This remarkable survival is possible even when exposed to cosmic radiation on Mars, according to reports from ScienceDaily.
- The research indicates that if ancient life once existed on Mars, its traces could be preserved deep within the planet's ice caps, as noted by Astronomy Magazine.
- Consequently, future missions should prioritize drilling into clean, buried ice rather than focusing solely on rocks or dirt for signs of ancient Martian life, a strategy highlighted by Digital Journal.
- Co-author Christopher House stated that "Fifty million years is far greater than the expected age for some current surface ice deposits on Mars... meaning any organic life present within the ice would be preserved," according to Penn State University.
Martian Ice May Preserve Ancient Life
A groundbreaking NASA study reveals that essential protein building blocks can survive for tens of millions of years within pure Martian ice, even amidst cosmic radiation, suggesting ancient life's traces might be remarkably preserved. This pivotal discovery urges future missions to prioritize drilling into buried ice caps rather than just rocks, offering a compelling new strategy to uncover definitive signs of extraterrestrial life.
Editorial Process: This article was drafted using AI-assisted research and thoroughly reviewed by human editors for accuracy, tone, and clarity. All content undergoes human editorial review to ensure accuracy and neutrality.
Reviewed by: Jacob Feldman
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