More evidence for Martian life found in Allen Hills Meteorite

Space Flight Now reports new findings provide a compelling new case for the Allen Hills Meteorite to have carried strong evidence of Martian life to Earth. This meteorite first came into the news 13 years ago when scientists announced that it might contain evidence for microscopic fossils of Martian bacteria, and now new data has been gathered by Johnson Space Center scientists using more advanced High Resolution Electron Microscopy than was in existence when the initial findings were announced by NASA:

Sources tell Spaceflight Now that the more detailed data on magnetite crystals and carbonate discs now available largely counter a wide range of opposing theories as to why the finding should not be supported as biological in origin.

Now, 13 years after the Martian meteorite life story emerged, the science team finally feels vindicated. Their data shows the meteorite is no smoking gun but is full of evidence that supports the existence of life on the surface of Mars, or in subsurface water pools, early in the planet's history.

The new data are expected to be addressed publicly within days by NASA Headquarters in Washington, where they could become part of the political debate on future NASA mission directions.

More details over here.