After analyzing rock samples collected by NASA's Curiosity rover, scientists discovered the largest known organic compounds on Mars. These long-chain molecules consist of 10 to 12 carbon atoms and suggest that Martian chemistry may be more complex than previously observed, further supporting potential life.

Since landing in Gale Crater in 2012, the Curiosity rover has traveled over 21 kilometers around Aeolis Mons at its center. It had already found evidence of a lake existing on Mars about three billion years ago.

The latest analysis comes from samples taken from mudstone named Cumberland where scientists discovered long-chain organic molecules such as decane (ten carbon atoms), undecane (eleven carbons) and dodecane (twelve carbons). These are likely fragments of fatty acids, a type of Earth's organic molecule.

NASA explains that biological processes produce fatty acids to help form cell membranes and perform other functions. However, non-biological chemical reactions triggered by geological events such as water interacting with minerals in hydrothermal systems can also generate these molecules.

Though the source of these long carbon chains cannot be determined definitively, it is exciting enough for Curiosity's science team because larger compounds suggest that Martian organic chemistry has developed towards complexity required for life. Given Mars' prolonged period without active geological activity and its cold climate over 3.7 billion years ago, scientists can attempt to trace the first appearance of life on Mars or explain how life might have been lost as conditions became more inhospitable.

(Lead image source: NASA)