Overview

• The peer‑reviewed Nature paper reports tiny nodules and grains enriched in iron phosphate and iron sulfide linked with organic carbon in the 'Sapphire Canyon' sample.
• The material was drilled in 2024 from clay‑bearing rocks in Jezero Crater’s Bright Angel formation at the base of the ancient Neretva Vallis channel.
• NASA announced the findings on Sept. 10 and discussed them at a press briefing that included interim administrator Sean Duffy.
• Lead researcher Joel Hurowitz said microbial life is one possible explanation, though purely geochemical processes could also account for the features.
• The international team includes Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, and outside experts Janice Bishop and Mario Parente welcomed the result while emphasizing it remains preliminary.