NASA’s Curiosity rover has found strong evidence that ancient Mars may have supported life. During a drill into the Martian surface, the rover discovered carbon residues in rocks over 3.5 billion years old. This supports the theory that Mars once had a stable carbon cycle, hinting at a habitable environment.

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• Carbon found on Mars hints life may have existed.
• Curiosity rover drilled Martian crust 3–4 cm deep.
• Discovered siderite in ancient rock layers.
• Rocks are around 3.5 billion years old.
• Carbon suggests long-lost carbon cycle once active.
• Supports theory Mars had warm, wet past.
• Martian climate later shifted to dry, cold.
• Known as the “great drying” period.
• Discovery boosts search for extraterrestrial life.
• NASA continues exploring ancient Martian geology.