Presence of Organic Molecules

The discovery of organic molecules on Mars represents one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in the search for extraterrestrial life. NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers have repeatedly detected various organic compounds in Martian soil and rocks, including thiophenes, benzene, and other carbon-based molecules. While these could form through non-biological processes, their persistent presence in ancient lake beds suggests Mars once had the chemical building blocks necessary for life. The molecules' association with sulfur compounds helps explain their preservation over billions of years. This finding doesn't confirm life existed, but proves Mars had – and still has – the organic chemistry that could have supported microbial organisms.