NASA team studies Scottish rocks to interpret Mars biosignatures
A Goddard Instrument Field Team from Goddard Space Flight Center travelled to Clachtoll in Assynt, north-west Highlands, to study the Stoer formation cliffs, which formed in environments similar to ancient Martian lakes and rivers and contain microbial evidence from 1.2 billion years ago. The scientists used handheld instruments, collected samples while navigating coastal tides and dangerous wet rocks, and returned the material to US laboratories with support from the University of Glasgow and the University of Cambridge. The analyses aim to help interpret Perseverance rover reduction spots in Jezero Crater, guide future rover investigations, and prepare for potential Martian sample analysis.
Stoer samples will inform analysis of Mars biosignatures.
Context
Perseverance found reduction spots in Jezero Crater last year. NASA teams went to Stoer…
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