Since the late 1970s, various rocks found on Earth have been identified as having originated from Mars. Scientists believe that these rocks were ejected from the Martian surface due to meteorite impacts, were propelled into space, and eventually landed here on Earth. While this would provide researchers with a great opportunity to examine ancient Martian surface material here on Earth, the discovery also raises concerns related to the risk of contamination with possible Martian microorganisms.
What Are Mars Meteorites?
Mars meteorites are rocks that originate from Mars that have been ejected off the surface and long-hauled to Earth. These rocks represent a rich source of information. They’re composed of an assortment of minerals, many of which are unique to the Martian surface, and may tell us about the composition of the Martian environment. Further, Martian meteorites could contain evidence of past life on Mars, as well as fossil records of previously unknown organisms.
The Capture Process
These rocks were likely captured during the formation of the asteroid belt. When the Earth and Mars were still in their infancy, they existed near a number of asteroids and comets. Some of these objects collided with the Martian surface and likely caused pieces of the Martian surface to break off and become part of the asteroid belt. Over millions of years, these Martian rocks have been further scattered and eventually some are now finding their way to Earth.
Risk of Contamination
Given that these rocks originated from Martian surface material, which may contain microorganisms, the possibility of contamination of the Earth’s environment with Martian microorganisms is a concern.
The Protocol for Mars Rocks
To ensure the safety of both Earth’s environment and the Martian meteorites, the international scientific community has developed a Protocol for Martian Meteorites. This protocol established standards for a three-level containment system for any Martian meteorites that are found on Earth.
Level 1:
• Any Martian meteorite found must be immediately isolated and secured with a biohazard bag.
• Anyone handling the meteorite must wear protective clothing, including gloves and face masks.
• All contact with the meteorite should be kept to a minimum.
Level 2:
•The meteorite must be placed in an incubator and any material that may have been released must be collected and stored.
• Before being moved, the meteorite must be disinfected with an approved disinfectant.
• All researchers must be properly trained and any experiments conducted with the meteorite must also be approved by a board of experts.
Level 3:
• The meteorite must be stored in a disinfected container that is intended for long-term storage.
• Disinfection should be conducted using a liquid napalm.
• The meteorite must be examined for any microorganisms that may have survived the trip to Earth.
• After examination, the meteorite must be safely stored in a secure, isolated container for future study.
Researchers Find Microorganisms in Mars Rocks
There have been a number of reports of possible microorganisms from Mars rocks coming to Earth. In 2010, researchers from the University of Zurich and the German Aerospace Center identified what they believed to be living microorganisms in two Martian meteorites found in Morocco in 2008. This was the first time microorganisms had ever been reported in Martian rocks.
In the following years, a series of studies have provided further evidence of microbial life in Martian rocks that have been found on Earth. For example, a team of researchers from the Universities of Guangzhou and Florida discovered a wide variety of bacteria in two Martian meteorites that were found in Algeria in 2011.
The Significance of Mars Rocks
The discovery of possible microorganisms in Martian rocks found on Earth could have significant implications for our understanding of the potential for life beyond our planet. Evidence of living microorganisms in Martian rocks could provide proof that there is, or has been, life on Mars.
The implications of the potential for life on other planets extend far beyond spacecraft missions to explore these planets. Such discoveries could dramatically alter our outlook on our solar system and the universe as a whole.
The discovery of Martian meteorites on Earth has the potential to provide researchers with a great opportunity to learn about the environment of Mars. However, it also brings with it concerns about contamination of the Earth’s environment with possible microorganisms from the Martian surface. In light of these concerns, the international scientific community has developed a Protocol for Martian Meteorites that ensures the safety of the Earth’s environment and the meteorite material. In recent years, researchers have identified possible microorganisms in Martian meteorites, which could have dramatic implications for our understanding of life beyond our planet.
