Overview

• A Nature study of Perseverance data describes iron phosphate (vivianite) and iron sulfide (greigite) nodules associated with organic carbon in Bright Angel sediments at Neretva Vallis.
• Perseverance’s PIXL and SHERLOC instruments mapped micron‑scale “leopard‑spot” features and organics and indicate low‑temperature formation after deposition in an ancient lake.
• The sample, nicknamed Sapphire Canyon, was drilled from the Cheyava Falls outcrop in July 2024 and sealed for potential return to Earth.
• Acting administrator Sean Duffy called the result the agency’s most convincing candidate yet for an ancient microbial signature, while the authors stress abiotic explanations remain possible.
• Definitive testing depends on Mars Sample Return, whose budget and schedule are under review, and the rover has sealed 28 scientifically selected tubes to date.