On biosignatures for Mars

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, we address the difficulty of reliably identifying traces of life on Mars. Several independent lines of evidence are required to build a compelling body of proof. In particular, we underline the importance of correctly interpreting the geological and mineralogical context of the sites to be explored for the presence of biosignatures. We use as examples to illustrate this, ALH84001 (where knowledge of the geological context was very limited) and other terrestrial deposits, for which this could be properly established. We also discuss promising locations and formations to be explored by ongoing and future rover missions, including Oxia Planum, which, dated at 4.0 Ga, is the most ancient Mars location targeted for investigation yet.