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New research reveals there is hope for Mars yet. The first definitive detection of methane in the atmosphere of Mars indicates the planet is still alive, in either a biologic or geologic sense, according to a team of NASA and university scientists.
"Methane is quickly destroyed in the Martian atmosphere in a variety of ways, so our discovery of substantial plumes of methane in the northern hemisphere of Mars in 2003 indicates some ongoing process is releasing the gas," said Dr. Michael Mumma of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "At northern mid-summer, methane is released at a rate comparable to that of the massive hydrocarbon seep at Coal Oil Point in Santa Barbara, Calif."
Methane -- four atoms of hydrogen bound to a carbon atom -- is the main component of natural gas on Earth. It's of interest to astrobiologists because organisms release much of Earth's methane as they digest nutrients. However, other purely geological processes, like oxidation of iron, also release methane. "Right now, we dont have enough information to tell if biology or geology -- or both -- is producing the methane on Mars," said Mumma. "But it does tell us that the planet is still alive, at least in a geologic sense. It's as if Mars is challenging us, saying, hey, find out what this means." Mumma is lead author of a paper on this research appearing in Science Express Jan. 15.
If microscopic Martian life is producing the methane, it likely resides far below the surface, where it's still warm enough for liquid water to exist. Liquid water, as well as energy sources and a supply of carbon, are necessary for all known forms of life.
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By nc9 1233640849 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveI wonder what we all will bump into next...the mind really goes all over the place with this information!
By Xratedpoof [Affiliate User] 1232820379 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveWater,Methane, Brilliant these are exciting times.
I Just hope I live long enough to see man land on Mars or the discovery of life.
I do however find it all so exciting!
By kissmytwinkys [Affiliate User] 1232414010 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down Removewe shall see! :o)
By kissmytwinkys [Affiliate User] 1232412621 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveLife!! I know its there or has been there in the past!!
By sn9696 [Affiliate User] 1232411722 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveYeah we already found the water...now the methane.....hmmm....what else will we find? ieeeee!
By kissmytwinkys [Affiliate User] 1232411425 Reply Spam [+0] Moderate Up Moderate Down RemoveIce caps = water!!
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