Volcanism was Key to Life on Mars- Sample Return Mission on Track
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Volcanism and volcanic activity is key to life on Earth, and newly discovered rocks on the surface of Mars may yield insight into Martian life. Astrobiology is a fascinating and developing science that must be supported through the retrieval of Martian rock samples from volcanic regions on the planet surveyed by Perseverance.
Perseverance has been hard at work on Mars, and the Mars Sample Return Mission is critical to further analysis of rock samples there. As advanced as Perseverance is, analytical instruments and processes on Earth are much better. Recently discovered rocks that formed from volcanic processes must be retrieved and sent to Earth to unlock their secrets.
Life evolved and persisted on Earth in volcanic zones under the sea and on the Earth's surface. Rocks on Mars' surface may contain concentrations of iron, magnesium and even potassium that could have fueled life's development there billions of years ago.
Life started forming on Earth at a surprising speed billions of years ago, and it would be exciting to see such a process on another celestial body.
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