A new study analyzing rock samples from Mars' Gale Crater, collected by the Curiosity rover, may solve the mystery of the planet's missing carbon. Early Mars possessed a warm, wet climate requiring significant atmospheric carbon dioxide for a greenhouse effect. However, satellite data showed less carbon than climate models predicted. The Curiosity rover's analysis of the Gale Crater's sediment stack suggests a much larger amount of carbon was present than previously thought, resolving the discrepancy between models and observations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.