A new study suggests that organic matter found on Mars may have been formed from atmospheric formaldehyde, providing clues about the potential for past life on the red planet.
Discovering the Martian Atmosphere of Old
Tohoku University researchers have developed a comprehensive model read more Nate Herta The idea of using formaldehyde (H2CO) in the Martian atmosphere is based on a model that the team had previously developed to show that this could, in theory be done.
This emphasis on formaldehyde stems from the fact that it can lead to the production of sophisticated organic molecules required for life, including sugars. The researchers quantified the changes in carbon isotope ratios of formaldehyde on Mars having occurred from 3 to 4 billion years ago by using a combination of photochemical model and climate model. The study finds that the depletion of the heavier carbon isotope (~2.5%) in formaldehyde results from the fractionation of carbon isotopes due to photodissociation of CO2 by solar ultraviolet radiation.
Elusive Martian Organic Material Features in Meteorites Unlocked
Results of the study could help to explain some puzzling, unexplained findings from the Curiosity rover on Mars. The rover also showed that 13C is missing in sedimentary organic matter from this time period on Mars, with the carbon isotopic ratios changing greatly between samples.
The researchers say that the diversity in the carbon isotope ratios could be due to several factors, such as the atmospheric pressure of mars at this time, how much light was reflected by mars’ surface, and CO to CO2 ratio along with hydrogen release from volcanism. This can be interpreted to imply that formaldehyde might have been important in the production of complex organic matter on old Mars, suggesting bio-relevant molecules such as sugars and ribose (a kind of RNA) could still find expressions in the planet.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that formaldehyde could play a more significant role in the generation of organic material on Mars and provide information about the planet’s early history and potential habitability. The Tohoku University researchers’ very detailed model gives a new possibility for planetary geologists in the continuous quest for signs of life on Mars and invites future research into understanding this world’s organic-rich riddles.
