Curiosity Rover Uncovers Largest Organic Molecules on Mars

The discovery of decane, undecane, and dodecane in a 3.7-billion-year-old lakebed suggests Mars once had conditions suitable for life.

NASA's Curiosity rover detected the largest organic molecules ever found on Mars, including decane, undecane, and dodecane.
The molecules, potentially fragments of fatty acids, were preserved in a 3.7-billion-year-old mudstone from Yellowknife Bay in Gale Crater.
While not evidence of past life, the findings indicate Mars may have had the conditions necessary for life billions of years ago.
The molecules were identified using the rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
The discovery strengthens the case for future Mars Sample Return missions to analyze these compounds on Earth for definitive insights.