Figure 27-11: R I V U X G
Microscopic Tunnels in Martian Meteorite This figure shows microtunnels in the Martian meteorite Y000593. Although not common, very similar microscopic tunnels are found in rocks on Earth that contain DNA and are thought to be produced by rock-eating microbes. Even though Y000593 sat on Earth for thousands of years before being collected, the tunnels themselves were likely created on Mars: the tunnels in Y000593 are filled with Martian clay as determined by an analysis of the clay’s composition. The microtunnels emanate from larger fractures in the rock and are about 1–5 micrometers long.
Microscopic Tunnels in Martian Meteorite This figure shows microtunnels in the Martian meteorite Y000593. Although not common, very similar microscopic tunnels are found in rocks on Earth that contain DNA and are thought to be produced by rock-eating microbes. Even though Y000593 sat on Earth for thousands of years before being collected, the tunnels themselves were likely created on Mars: the tunnels in Y000593 are filled with Martian clay as determined by an analysis of the clay’s composition. The microtunnels emanate from larger fractures in the rock and are about 1–5 micrometers long.
(Lauren White)