NASA's Curiosity rover has measured a burst of methane in the atmosphere of Mars and has detected organic molecules in samples recovered from drilling in Cumberland Rock, according to NASA's website. This may indicate the existence of life on the planet in the past or present.
The team of scientists running Curiosity cannot yet identify the source of the gas on Mars, it can be either biological or non-biological, but on Earth, 95 percent of the methane comes from microorganisms. More research will be required to prove the animal origin of methane.
The carbon-containing molecules found in the powdery sample while drilling into the rock may not be evidence that microorganisms are or have been on Mars. However, they indicate favorable conditions for the emergence of life.
The Curiosity rover is now located in the area of the Mars Gale Crater at the planet's equator. Earlier studies of the rover showed that vast lakes existed on the surface of Mars. In addition, scientists believe that the atmosphere of Mars may have kept temperatures above zero degrees.
Curiosity arrived on Mars on August 6, 2012, and reached the main goal of its mission - Mount Eolis at the center of Gale Crater - in September 2014. The main tasks of Curiosity are to conduct detailed geological and geochemical studies, study the atmosphere and climate of the planet, and search for water or traces of its presence.
The device is able to overcome obstacles up to 75 centimeters high and make a full turn on the spot. This project cost NASA $ 2.5 billion.
