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 1 · The curious carbon-12 discovery
streetspirit Carbon-12 on Mars
Carbon-twelve spark, deep in the clay, whisper of life
streetspirit While light carbon is a signature of life on Earth, Mars presents unique non-biological chemistry.
streetspirit In January 2022, NASA's Curiosity rover discovered a surprising abundance of light carbon-12 in Gale Crater's ancient rocks.
Fun Fact
Martian laser zaps: Curiosity's laser can vaporize rock from nine meters away, allowing its sensors to analyze the chemical makeup of Mars' crust.
Glossary
carbon-12 (noun)
A stable, naturally occurring isotope of carbon with six protons and six neutrons. In 2022, NASA's Curiosity rover detected ancient rock samples enriched in this isotope within Gale Crater.
A stable, naturally occurring isotope of carbon with six protons and six neutrons. In 2022, NASA's Curiosity rover detected ancient rock samples enriched in this isotope within Gale Crater.
Quiz
Which space-based source did scientists propose as a potential non-living origin for Mars' carbon-12?
Quiz
In which Martian region did the Curiosity rover discover the unusual carbon-12 isotope signature in 2022?
Quiz
Why do scientists warn against using Earth's biological rules to explain Mars' carbon-12?
Quiz
Which instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover was used to heat Martian rock powder and analyze carbon isotopes?
Quiz
What atmospheric gas on Mars could ultraviolet light split to produce light carbon signatures?