The Discovery ~ Astromaterials ~ Mars Exploration

A NASA research team of scientists at the Johnson Space Center and at Stanford University has found evidence that strongly suggests primitive life may have existed on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago.

The NASA-funded team found the first organic molecules thought to be of Martian origin; several mineral features characteristic of biological activity; and possible microscopic fossils of primitive, bacteria-like organisms inside of an ancient Martian rock that fell to Earth as a meteorite. This array of indirect evidence of past life will be reported in the Aug. 16 issue of the journal Science, presenting the investigation to the scientific community at large to reach a future concensus that will either confirm or deny the team's conclusion.


Press Release 96-160 - Meteorite Yields Evidence of Primitive Life on Early Mars.

Press Release 96-159 - Statement from Daniel S. Goldin, NASA Administrator.

Photos - Photographic evidence supporting the Discovery.

Audio - Audio coverage of the press conference.

 Video - Video animation related to the discovery.

The Discovery - Information about the discovery and the scientists who made this breakthrough.

Astromaterials - Information on JSC's role as the lead center for Astromaterials.

Mars Exploration - Information about Mars and Mars exploration.


NASA Home
Curator: Annie Platoff
Responsible NASA Official: Kelly Humphries
Last Updated: 6 August 1996
 NASA Home

http://www.nasa.gov/
Return To Space Menu.