SEM Imaging of Martian and Lunar Meteorites and Implications for Microfossils in Martian Meteorites

Five lunar meteorites and the martian meteorite ALH 84001 have been examined under the SEM using the equipment and procedures of McKay et al.. Submicrometer ovoids and elongated forms on the surfaces of ALH 84001 were thought by McKay et al. to be ancient microfossils. Although in smaller numbers, we have found similar structures on lunar meteorites. Since the lunar surface is currently the most sterile environment known, and probably always has been, we suggest that the objects described by McKay et al. may not be of biological origin on Mars.