- A previous study led by geologist Peter Schultz from Brown University that was published in 2014 had found organic molecules and even plant matter entombed in glass formed by an impact that occurred millions of years ago in Argentina.
- Now, Kevin Cannon and Jack Mustard from Brown University have shown that large glass deposits are present in several ancient yet well-preserved craters scattered across the Martian surface. Knowing that impact glass can preserve ancient signs of life opens a potential new strategy in the search for ancient Martian life, the researchers said.
- One of the craters found to contain glass is called Hargraves, and it is located near the Nili Fossae trough. The region is one of the leading landing site contenders for the Mars 2020 rover, a mission that aims to cache soil and rock samples for possible future return to Earth.
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