A team of researchers at the University of Glasgow have found physical evidence that could provide a breakthrough for scientists studying life on Mars. A meteorite from the Red Planet, which fell in Nakhla in Egypt in 1911 and is now housed at the Natural History Museum in the U.K., was found to contain traces of opal, a gemstone often used to adorn jewelry.
Scientists say that opal is usually found in hot springs, or mineral-rich waters that allow for microbial life to exist. The researchers found about 1.7 gram of opal from the meteorite, which they believe is the fire opal variety for its brilliant yellow, orange and red colors. While it is only a small amount, the scientists said it is already bringing significant findings.
"Firstly, it definitively confirms findings from NASA's imaging and exploration of the Martian surface which appeared to show deposits of opal. This is the first time that a piece of Mars here on Earth has been shown to contain opal," said professor Martin Lee, the head of the research team, in a press release.
"Secondly, we know that on Earth opals like these are often formed in and around hot springs. Microbial life thrives in these conditions, and opal can trap and preserve these microbes for millions of years. If Martian microbes existed, it's possible they too may be preserved in opal deposits on the surface of Mars."
Back in 2013, NASA's rover was able to trace water on the surface of Mars, which was extensively discussed in a paper published on Science Mag. Lee's team has built their study on this discovery.
"Closer study of Martian opals by future missions to Mars could well help us learn more about the planet's past and whether it once held life," Lee concluded.
The team's research was published in the journal Meteoritic and Planetary Science.
