Asteroid crater discovery links early Earth life to possible Mars habitats

Researchers found stromatolites in South Korea’s Hapcheon impact crater, in the Jeokjung-Chogye Basin.

Geochemical and dating evidence indicates the structures formed in a post-impact hydrothermal lake.

The study suggests asteroid impacts can create long-lived, life-friendly habitats for microbes.

It also strengthens the case that similar crater lakes on Mars could preserve signs of ancient life.