Correct option is C
The correct answer is: (c) Methane
Explanation:
· NASA’s Curiosity rover detected a large amount of methane on Mars, particularly in June 2019.
· This was notable because methane can be produced by biological or geological processes, raising interest in the possibility of microbial life.
Information Booster:
· The detection was around 21 parts per billion, the highest ever recorded by Curiosity.
· Methane levels on Mars tend to show seasonal variation.
· The source of methane remains unknown — it could be from subsurface microbial life or geological activity.
· Mars' thin atmosphere and lack of oxygen make methane more noticeable.
· NASA continues to investigate with instruments on Curiosity and future missions like Mars 2020 Perseverance.