NASA's Curiosity rover has been exploring the surface of Mars for 13 years. What it just found may be the most important discovery of its entire mission. A new analysis of data from Gale Crater —

NASA's Curiosity rover found the biggest batch of organic molecules ever on Mars, hinting at the red planet's potential past for life. (NASA)

NASA said the rover collected clay-filled rocks from an area called Glen Torridon inside the planet's Gale Crater. The rover’s Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) mobile instrument suite then analyzed the data.

A rock NASA’s Curiosity rover drilled in 2020 contained “the most diverse collection of organic molecules ever found on the Red Planet,” including seven never previously detected on Mars. The finding published today in Nature was made using its onboard Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) laboratory.

Seven of the organic molecules were found for the first time ever on the Red Planet, including compounds that are chemical precursors to DNA and RNA, NASA said

Bathtub ring' is evidence of ancient Mars ocean. Because water is a key ingredient for life to exist, researchers have long been interested in finding signs of it on Mars and oth

NASA’s Curiosity rover has identified seven new organic compounds on the planet Mars, according to new research published in Nature Communications. The researchers believe this organic matter may have been preserved on Mars for more than 3.

Discovery of organic molecules by NASA's Curiosity rover intensifies discussion about Mars' chemical past and life potential