Man has always been fascinated by possible existence of extra terrestrial life. During the eighties, scientists discovered a meteorite in Antarctica and believed it to be from the planet Mars.

Closer examination indicated hydrocarbons which are the same as breakdown products of dead micro-organisms on Earth, mineral phases consistent with by-products of bacterial activity, and tiny carbonate globules which may be microfossils of primitive bacteria.

The conclusion was that the rock solidified within Mars 4.5 billion years ago, approximately 100 million years after the formation of the planet. The rock then fractured where after water permeated the cracks, depositing carbonate minerals and allowing primitive bacteria to live in the fractures.

The bacteria and their by-products became fossilized in the fractures. A large piece of the rock was dislodged due to a large meteorite which struck Mars. As such a chunk was ejected into space destined for Earth, more specifically – Antarctica.

The minerals discovered by the scientists, bear a strong resemblance to mineral alterations caused by primitive bacteria on Earth. In addition the presence of micro “ovoids” was found, 100 times smaller than any bacteria on Earth.

Though the findings seem to be inconclusive, there remains much work to be performed on this topic.  Who knows…you might be related to E.T.

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