Since traces of organic compounds can easily break down when heated on Mars, solvents convert molecules into derived forms, allowing chemical analysis without breaking them down.
As a result of the experiment, the researchers found chemically derived benzoic acid and ammonia in loose sand samples.
NASA engineers working from the world Mars exploration vehicle CuriosityAfter more than a year of not using the ‘s drill, he finally managed to repair the drill in 2018, allowing more samples to be collected from the Martian surface.
More results are expected from the test. Work continues on the mission that will go to the Red Planet in 2030 to collect samples collected by the Curiosity rover.
The tests also indicated the presence of other molecules, including phosphoric, phenol, several nitrogen-bearing molecules, and ‘and as yet unidentified high molecular weight compounds’.
science people, NASA’s Goddard Space “This derivation experiment on Mars has expanded the range of molecules found in Martian samples and is a powerful tool for more in-depth search of polar organic molecules with biotic or prebiotic linkages,” said the study led by astro-biologist Maëva Millan of the Flight Center.
–
