US space agency NASA on Wednesday said analysis of a rock sampled by the agency's Mars rover found what could be evidence of ancient microbial life.



A group of researchers from NASA and other entities said the rover discovered millimeter-size spots on a rock in July 2024 while exploring a location where water is thought to have once existed.



The group said an analysis using X-ray and UV-light instruments found the spots carried the signature of what appear to be iron and sulfide compounds and organic matter.



The group said the signature is a potential fingerprint for microbial life as these compounds can be produced by some microorganisms on Earth that use organic matter as a source of nutrients.
The researchers published the results in the British science journal Nature.



Acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy on Wednesday told reporters that "this very well could be the clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars."



The researchers say it is necessary to bring the sample back to Earth and conduct an advanced analysis to confirm whether life was once present on the red planet.



There are concerns whether such an analysis can be conducted as the Trump administration plans to end the Mars Sample Return program as part of its budget-cutting efforts.
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Quiz 1:
Where did the rock sample analyzed for potential signs of ancient microbial life come from?
A. Moon
B. Mars
C. Jupiter
D. Saturn

Quiz 2:
Which of the following compounds were found in the millimeter-size spots on the Mars rock sample?
A. Carbon and oxygen
B. Iron and sulfide
C. Hydrogen and nitrogen
D. Silicon and phosphorus

Quiz 3:
According to the article, what is a potential concern regarding further analysis of the Mars rock sample?
A. Lack of funding for the study
B. Inability to find the sample
C. Technical difficulties in analyzing the sample
D. Trump administration's plan to end the Mars Sample Return program as part of budget-cutting efforts