NASA has confirmed that it has detected seasonal variations in methane, and minerals like phyllosilicates may be indirect signs of conditions that supported life in the past. But this only indicates the potential for past life, not direct biological evidence of microorganisms or “Earth-like” organisms.
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Seasonal variations in methane: NASA’s Curiosity rover has detected seasonal increases and decreases in methane levels in Gale Crater. On Earth, most methane is produced by biological activity (microorganisms or the decomposition of organic matter), but it can also form through geological processes. So methane on Mars is an interesting clue but not enough to confirm the presence of life.
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Phyllosilicates (clay): This type of mineral forms when rocks interact with liquid water for a long time. Their presence suggests that Mars once had a moist environment that could have supported microbial life.
To date, NASA has not found direct evidence (e.g. bacterial cells, DNA, proteins, etc.) that life has existed or is present on Mars. All remain at the level of potential signs that need further verification.
