NASA moves one step closer to finding traces of life on Mars: What does the leopard-spotted rock sample reveal?

NASA has detected the clearest sign yet of past life on Mars in a leopard-spotted rock.

Leopard-pattern spots on a rock sample discovered on Mars may be the "clearest sign" that there may have been past life on the planet, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced.

NASA announced that scientists examined a rock sample collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars and found leopard spots that may have been formed by ancient creatures.

The statement noted that colorful structures resembling poppy seeds and leopard spots found on a rock sample correspond to minerals traditionally formed on Earth as a result of microbial activity.

"This may be the clearest sign of life we've ever found on Mars," said NASA Interim Administrator Sean Duffy.

"WE ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO ANSWERING WHETHER WE ARE ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE"

Joel Hurowitz, the study's lead author, said the rocks were "probably the most exciting from an astrobiological perspective."

"Today marks a step closer to answering one of humanity's most profound questions: whether we are truly alone in the universe," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

The sample, called "Sapphire Canyon," was collected by the Perseverance rover from rocky outcrops on the sides of the Neretva Vallis river valley, which was shaped by water flowing into Jezero Crater more than 3 billion years ago.