E.T., is that you – or just microbes on Mars?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
NASA has found the best evidence for life on Mars so far.
The team, led by Joel Hurowitz, analyzed rock samples collected by the Perseverance rover. In the rocks, they found iron compounds that indicate microbial life.
These compounds can also be formed without life, in very hot or acidic conditions. However, that doesn’t apply to these samples, suggesting perhaps the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Are we alone in the universe? Has life begun outside of Earth? We’re closer than ever to answering these questions.
Unfortunately, if these microbes did try to “phone home”, they wouldn’t have great reception.
Reference: Hurowitz, J.A., Tice, M.M., Allwood, A.C. et al. Redox-driven mineral and organic associations in Jezero Crater, Mars. Nature 645, 332–340 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0