NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover took this selfie in 2020, after drilling a rock sample from a spot nicknamed “Mary Anning.” After years of extensive analysis, the sample has revealed the greatest diversity of organic molecules ever found on Mars. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)

Did NASA’s Curiosity rover find signs of ancient life on Mars? An astrobiologist explains how we determine ‘life’

Study of extreme environments on Earth, along with exploration of the lifeless surface of the moon, can help us understand what life on Mars might look like.
Scientists conduct research in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to practice for Mars landings. Shutterstock

Rehearsing for the Mars landings in Hawaii and Idaho

To prepare for future Mars missions, scientists collect samples and simulate communications conditions from volcano parks on Earth.

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