Why We Have Never Found Life on Mars? NASA Might Have the Answer

Why We Have Never Found Life on Mars? NASA Might Have the Answer (Image: Canva)

While Earth continues to bloom with life, its dusty neighbour remains silent. Scientists have long wondered why Mars—once shaped by rivers and lakes—is now dry and deserted. A new clue may finally help piece together the puzzle.

Mars Once Had Water, But Only Briefly

NASA’s Curiosity rover has found rocks rich in carbonate minerals. These minerals are like Earth’s limestone and act as sponges, pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it into stone. Their presence on Mars suggests the planet may have once had the right conditions for water to briefly flow.

Researchers used this new data to model the climate history of Mars. The study, published in Nature, showed that these watery spells were rare and short-lived. According to lead author Edwin Kite, most of Mars was likely cold and dry, with only rare “blips of habitability” scattered across the surface.

On Earth, volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide, balancing the climate and supporting liquid water. But Mars lacks strong volcanic activity. With no steady outgassing, its climate cycle never stabilised, leading to long, frozen periods. Even when rivers did flow, they were likely followed by 100 million years of lifeless desert.

Curiosity and Perseverance Keep Searching

NASA’s Perseverance rover, which landed in 2021, has also found signs of carbonates in an ancient Martian lakebed. Scientists now believe these rocks could hold secrets about the planet’s watery past. The next goal is clear: return these samples to Earth for detailed study.

Kite said that bringing back rock samples is the best way to prove how much carbon dioxide Mars trapped in its rocks. Both NASA and China are planning missions to return Martian samples within the next decade.

The Bigger Question: Are We Alone?

The findings add another piece to the wider mystery of life in the universe. Since the 1990s, astronomers have discovered nearly 6,000 planets beyond our solar system. But only on Earth and Mars can scientists directly study rocks that tell a planet’s story.

If Mars never supported even the smallest forms of life, it might mean life needs very specific, rare conditions. But if traces of ancient Martian life are found, it would suggest that life may not be so rare after all.

Kite believes the answer lies in these rocks. If life began on Mars during its brief wet periods, it could mean life starts easily—at least when the ingredients are right.