The Martian rock that arrived with organic debris

It happened in 1984, and it created quite a stir. A group of explorers discovered something interesting in Antarctica. It was the Martian rock that arrived with organic remains. A new study sheds light on the origin of extraterrestrial molecules. The conclusions of the researchers will surprise you.

Martian rock that arrived with organic remains has an interesting history.
The Martian rock that arrived with organic remains has an interesting history.

No sign of life

The meteorite was christened Allan Hills 84001 (ALH84001). It was first examined in 1996. At that time, researchers came to a surprising conclusion. They found traces of organic carbon globules there. For them, they were evidence of the existence of life on the red planet.
However, a new analysis refutes this theory. During the study, the researchers subjected the meteorite to isotopic and spectroscopic analysis. Thus, they examined its nanoscale images. They came to the conclusion that these are not signs of life. What is it then? Just an abiotic reaction between water and Martian rocks that occurred about 4 billion years ago. Almost nothing.
Scientists discovered signs of two chemical reactions: carbonization and serpentinization. The latter occurs when iron- and magnesium-rich volcanic rocks interact with circulating water. This changes their mineral nature. As for carbonization, it involves the interaction between the rocks and low-acid water containing dissolved carbon dioxide. The process results in the formation of carbonized minerals.

The rock was found in Antarctica. It fell 13 thousand years ago.
The rock was found in Antarctica. It fell 13 thousand years ago.

Millennial journey

Scientists suggest that the meteorite would have detached from the red planet about 17 million years ago. It is estimated to have fallen to Earth about 13,000 years ago.
This finding may disappoint those who believe Mars could be habitable. But the Martian rock that arrived with organic remains is still important. Not just for astronomy, but for geology in general. It could shed more light on life on early Earth and elsewhere in the solar system.
“Why analyze the origin of the meteorite minerals? It’s a kind of window. It reveals the geochemical processes that occurred early in Earth’s history. And also the potential of Mars for habitability.” So explains the study’s lead author, Andrew Steele of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington.

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