Chapter 1
The curious carbon-12 discovery
Chapter 2
Rethinking the red planet's cycle
Chapter 3
Perseverance and the organic map
YOUR GOAL
Master of The mystery of Mars' carbon
Ch 3 · Perseverance and the organic map
streetspirit Perseverance used its SHERLOC instrument to detect macromolecular carbon, a complex structural form of organic chemistry.
streetspirit A rock named Cheyava Falls revealed intriguing spots and organic compounds that resemble microbial signatures on Earth.
Fun Fact
Martian sound waves: Perseverance carries microphones that recorded the speed of sound on Mars, proving that high-pitched sounds travel faster than low ones there.
Glossary
spectrometer (noun)
An apparatus used for recording and measuring spectra as a method of chemical analysis. In June 2026, NASA's robotic explorer used this device to map macromolecular carbon in Jezero Crater.
An apparatus used for recording and measuring spectra as a method of chemical analysis. In June 2026, NASA's robotic explorer used this device to map macromolecular carbon in Jezero Crater.
Quiz
What is the name of the rock core sample containing organic carbon that Perseverance cached in 2026?
Quiz
What nickname was given to the rock featuring pale spots with dark rims found in Jezero Crater?
Quiz
Which instrument did Perseverance use to map macromolecular carbon in the Bright Angel outcrop?
Quiz
What geological feature made Jezero Crater a prime target for finding organic carbon?
Quiz
Why is finding organic molecules in two distant craters on Mars so significant?
Quiz
Approximately how far apart are the landing sites of the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers?
Quiz
What is macromolecular carbon (MMC), which was detected by Perseverance in 2026?