Scientists allow for the presence of life beneath the surface of Mars

Unusual structures that may indicate the presence of ancient or even modern life have been spotted on Mars again, The Conversation writes.

We are talking about the mysterious mineral patterns found in the clay rocks of the crater Jezero - the landing place of the rover Perseverance. These formations, resembling "leopard spots", have attracted the interest of scientists because of their similarity to microbial traces on Earth.

While there is no definite evidence of life yet, the new findings have intensified the scientific debate over whether life could have originated on Mars - and whether it could have persisted until now.

Early in its history, Mars was similar to Earth: it had liquid water, a dense atmosphere and a magnetic field that protected it from cosmic radiation. All of these conditions may have been conducive to the origin of life. Over time, however, the planet lost its magnetic field, its atmosphere thinned, and its surface became cold and dry.

Therefore, modern scientists believe that if life survived, it was not on the surface, but in protected zones - underground, in ice or in caves.

The greatest hope is for the Martian underground. Similar to Earth, the depths of the planet may be inhabited by microbes that live by chemical reactions in rocks. On Earth, such organisms are called lithoautotrophs - they feed on minerals and can exist without light.

Interestingly, Mars has already recorded emissions of methane gas, which may be a by-product of such organisms. However, the geological origin of methane cannot yet be ruled out.

The surface of Mars is too harsh for life - radiation, extreme temperatures and lack of water make survival impossible. But the underground layers may be more stable and warmer, especially if liquid water is present.

The European Space Agency's future mission, the Rosalind Franklin rover, will be equipped with a drill capable of going as deep as two metres. This will give a chance to explore the near-surface of Mars for the first time, where microbial life may still exist.

Scientists are studying Earth regions similar to Martian regions - such as the Atacama Desert in Chile or salt valleys in the US. They also use special cameras that mimic conditions on Mars: low pressure, radiation, and atmospheric composition. This helps to understand how life could adapt and survive on the Red Planet.

At the moment, there is no evidence of life - past or present. But discoveries like the "leopard spots" at the bottom of an ancient lake in Jezero Crater keep interest in the topic alive. If life still exists on Mars, most researchers believe it's hidden deep beneath the surface. And to find it, we need to drill deeper than ever before.