On September 10th, 2025, NASA reported that a sample taken in 2024 indicated the potential that life once existed on Mars. This sample came from a rock called Cheyava Falls and was nicknamed Sapphire Canyon. NASA’s Perseverance rover initially landed on Mars in 2021 to search for signs of life. Extraordinarily, in 2024, the Perseverance rover found the Sapphire Canyon sample by noting leopard spots that indicated potential biosignatures. After researching, NASA has found that the sample contains the minerals vivianite and greigite which are common indicators of microbial activity. Additionally, the rover’s scientific instruments found that sedimentary rock surrounding the sample contains clay and silt which are very good at preserving microbial life. However, despite these signs that the rock supported microbial life at one point, NASA cannot fully determine unless the sample is returned to earth for more advanced testing. However, it is uncertain whether or not this sample will be returned to earth.
Students at HHS have similar opinions on NASA’s report. Most notably, students are excited about the news. In fact, senior Kaitlyn Manning mentions, “I think that the discovery is really exciting! I know that scientists have been searching Mars for possible life for a long time now and it’s very interesting that they have finally found a potential indicator. I wonder where they will go from here.” Kaitlyn’s opinion and inquiry align with many other students at HHS who find the discovery very interesting but wonder what it will mean for future NASA endeavors.
In fact, senior Mischa Hase also described “I think the discovery is super cool and I wonder if they will find more out soon!” However, when asked if she knew about the discovery before I asked and explained it Mischa responded, “Not really, I had heard something simple about it but didn’t look into it or anything.”
This lack of knowledge is common among many students and raises the question of how much current students are in tune with the media and science. Therefore, I asked Ella O’Niell if she knew anything about the possibility of life found on mars to which she replied: “I honestly haven’t heard anything about it but it seems super interesting and I would love to see what it leads to.”
Overall, this new scientific discovery is clearly intriguing to many Hingham High School students. However, students seem to not be well informed on the topic. It will be interesting to see where this discovery leads NASA!
