This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image shows an unusual
tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human
hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001, a meteorite believed to be of
Martian origin. Although this structure is not part of the research
published in the Aug. 16 issue of the journal Science, it is located in a
similar carbonate glob in the meteorite. This structure will be the
subject of future investigations that could confirm whether or not it is
fossil evidence of primitive life on Mars 3.6 billion years ago.
A NASA research team of scientists at the Johnson Space Center and at
Stanford University has found evidence that strongly suggests primitive life
may have existed on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. The NASA-funded
team found the first organic molecules thought to be of Martian origin; several
mineral features characteristic of biological activity; and possible microscopic
fossils of primitive, bacteria-like organisms inside of an ancient Martian rock
that fell to Earth as a meteorite. This array of indirect evidence of past life will
be reported in the Aug. 16 issue of the journal Science, presenting the investigation
to the scientific community at large to reach a future consensus that will either confirm
or deny the team's conclusion.