Science TechnologySunday, 28 June 2026·The Hindu - Science
NASA Perseverance finds complex organic carbon in Jezero Crater mudstones on Mars
NASA Perseverance detected complex organic carbon in Jezero Crater mudstones, strengthening Mars astrobiology evidence.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, a Science Advances study using NASA’s Perseverance rover reported the most robust detection yet of complex organic carbon in fine-grained mudstones from Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley in Jezero Crater on Mars.
Key specifics
- Instrument used: SHERLOC on NASA’s Perseverance rover.
- Location: Neretva Vallis channel in Jezero Crater, Mars.
- Material detected: macromolecular carbon, a complex and hardy form of organic matter.
- Comparison point: NASA Curiosity had earlier found organic molecules in Gale Crater over the last decade.
- Scientific significance: first direct finding of such material on a natural rock surface on Mars, according to the study.
Exam lens
Science & technology MCQ focus: rover name, instrument name, crater names, and the term macromolecular carbon. TNPSC may ask which Mars rover found the strongest organic evidence in Jezero Crater.