Find new clues about ancient life on Mars

Scientists have found some glass-like fragments scattered in Argentina, containing the organic components of ancient microorganisms trapped during meteorites hitting Earth millions of years ago.

This finding is highly regarded by the scientific community about the study of microbial life that once existed on ancient Mars.

Leading the research is Professor Pete Schultz, a geologist at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, who has found many glass-like fragments scattered in the plains of Pampas, Argentina.

Some fragments like glass are scattered in Argentina - (Photo: BBC News)

He said: 'Millions of years ago, when meteorites hit Earth, it produced a large enough heat, which in the instant could melt the entire rock at the impact site. The molten material cools, forming a form of material like glass, trapping nearby organic matter and some substances on meteorites. "

Glass fragments are mostly found in loess sediments, a type of rock formed from the accumulation of dust in the wind. Most of them date from 3-9 million years, the debris is the highest dating back about 12 million years. Much of the organic matter of ancient plants is well preserved.

Through the results of the analysis, ancient plants have similar characteristics to a grass living in the current Pampas area. However, Simon Clemett and Kathie Thomas-Keprta of the NASA Space Center lab said that the organic compounds of ancient plants within them are very delicate and complex, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and some other molecules. It may contain oxidants of other microorganisms, not Earth.

This discovery has helped scientists have more signs in finding ancient life on the Red planet. Because maybe inside the glass fragment accidentally trapped some of the microorganisms in the meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago.