Scientists are trying to solve the mystery of purple rocks on Mars

The Perseverance rover has discovered a large number of rocks that have a strange purple color. During his expedition, they are found almost everywhere, and scientists cannot explain the nature of this phenomenon in any way, casting doubt on the nickname of the Red Planet.

“I don’t really have a good answer for you,” Ann Ollila, a geochemist at Los Alamos National Laboratory who published the report on these purple rocks, told reporters.

Biochemists are at a loss as to where the bright purple color could have come from. An accurate chemical analysis of these stones will make it possible to understand how the evolution of the planet took place. There is speculation that the mysterious coloration may be evidence of the existence of life on Mars in the past. Proponents of this theory cite the Earth as an example, where living organisms have repeatedly created colored coatings on stones.

Scientists hope that the stones will be delivered to Earth, where it will be possible to carry out their thorough biological and geochemical analysis. When the mystery of the purple cover is solved, it will reveal a lot about the geological structure of Mars. Perhaps the nickname "Red Planet" will no longer be so relevant.