Perseverance: analysis of Martian samples indicates the presence of mineral salts

The first analyzes fell. After the little one drama around the presence or absence of a Mars sample in the Rover’s collection tube, scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have delivered the results of their analyzes, and there is cause for optimism. The samples (Rochette) of basaltic rocks would indeed contain mineral salts, which would be a strong clue in favor of the hypothesis of the presence of water in the Jezero crater… three billion years ago! Better still, scientists do not rule out that life forms (mainly microbial) may have developed in these surface waters.

The Martian Rochette (sample) in the Perseverance collection tube

So the choice of Jezero as the landing and exploration zone for Perseverance seems to have been the right one. The “Montdenier” and “Montagnac” samples, taken on September 6 and September 8, have not yet revealed all their secrets: scientists have yet to estimate the length of time water remained in the Jezero crater.