Ever since scientists began exploring Mars, one of the biggest questions has been: Could life exist on the red planet? With its unique geology and climate, Mars has attracted the attention of space missions for decades. Recently, probes and rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance have brought back new discoveries, opening up potential clues to the existence of microbial life on the planet.

One of the most important discoveries has been the discovery of chemical and mineral signs that Mars once had liquid water on its surface. Previous missions have found traces of ancient rivers, lakes and seas on the surface of the red planet, along with minerals that formed in a wet environment. This is evidence that Mars once had a climate suitable for life.

Discovery of Methane and the Possibility of Microbial Life

Another notable discovery is the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere. Methane can be produced by geological processes such as reactions between water and hot rocks, but it can also be produced by the decomposition of organic matter from living organisms. In recent years, the Curiosity rover has measured fluctuations in methane in the Martian atmosphere, suggesting that the source of methane could be biological or geochemical.

Methane can be quickly destroyed by sunlight and chemical reactions in the atmosphere, so its presence could indicate processes taking place below the surface of Mars. Scientists are continuing to study the origin of methane and its possible connection to microbial life in the Martian subsoil.

Discovery of Organic Compounds

Another important sign of the possibility of life is the detection of organic compounds in Martian soil and rock samples. Both Curiosity and Perseverance have found organic compounds such as thiophenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and other simple organics in samples collected from the planet’s surface.

Although these organic compounds could have formed through non-biological processes, their presence is an important clue to the study of potential life. The organic compounds could provide evidence of ancient Martian environments, where microbial life may have existed in shallow waters or under the protective surface.

Exploring Frozen Water Below the Surface

Another important factor in the search for life on Mars is the presence of subsurface water ice. Exploration missions such as Phoenix and Mars Odyssey have found that there are large amounts of water ice beneath the surface of Mars, especially in the polar regions. Water is essential for life, and the presence of water ice could provide resources for microbial organisms to survive underground.

Studies from InSight also suggest that there may be underground water aquifers beneath the surface of Mars, protected from ultraviolet light and the harsh external environment. These are potential areas to search for signs of microbial life in the future.

The MOXIE Experiment and Human Survival

In addition to searching for microbial life, one of the goals of the current missions is to test technologies that could help humans survive on Mars. The Perseverance rover is equipped with MOXIE, an advanced technology that can produce oxygen from carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere. The test was successful in producing small amounts of oxygen, opening up the possibility of using local resources to support future manned missions.

Creating oxygen from CO2 is not only important for humans to breathe, but can also be used as fuel for rockets on missions back to Earth. This shows that Mars has the potential not only as a target for exploration but also as a place where humans can settle and develop in the future.

The Challenges and Future of Searching for Life on Mars

Despite these important discoveries, determining the existence of life on Mars remains a major challenge. The planet’s harsh environment, with its extremely low temperatures, high radiation levels and thin atmosphere, makes it difficult for life to survive on the surface. However, scientists believe that conditions may exist beneath the surface of Mars, where there may be protective layers of rock and water, where conditions may be more suitable for microorganisms.

Future missions, such as Mars Sample Return, are expected to collect and bring back samples of Martian soil and rock for more detailed study. This will give scientists the opportunity to examine evidence of potential life in a more detailed and precise manner. With advanced technology, we are getting closer to answering the question of whether there is life on Mars.

The exploration of Mars continues, and with new discoveries of methane, organic compounds, water ice, and technological experiments, the Red Planet continues to be an attractive target in the search for extraterrestrial life. These studies not only help us better understand Mars, but also open up opportunities for human exploration and settlement in the not-too-distant future.