If we find any biogenic magnetites on Mars, can we prove there is evidence of life?
Tenzin Answer: Great question. Finding biogenic magnetites would certainly provide strong evidence for life on Mars. The problem, though, is proving that they are biogenic. Magnetite can form in a lot of different environments, including inside bacteria. Magnetites that form in different ways generally look a little different under microscopes, but sometimes scientists can be fooled. If there were other pieces of evidence along with the magnetites, such as fossils or carbonaceous material, then there would be a much stronger case for past life.
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