RGClark
Mathematician
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- Jan 27, 2010
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There had been concern expressed by some scientists that for its cost the Mars Science Laboratory rover had been a disappointment. But two separate discoveries relating to life on Mars may have reversed that sentiment:
‘A Great Moment’: Rover Finds Methane, a Clue That Mars May Harbor Life
By KENNETH CHANG DEC. 16, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/science/a-new-clue-in-the-search-for-life-on-mars.html
Curiosity Rover Finds Life's Building Blocks on Mars.
by Mike Wall, Space.com Senior Writer | December 17, 2014 07:00am ET
http://www.space.com/28033-mars-life-building-blocks-curiosity-rover.html
This second discovery relates to the finding of organic molecules in surface samples on Mars. The Viking missions of the 70's led to the wide spread conclusion of no life on Mars because the Viking landers were unable to identify organics in the samples collected, and because it was felt liquid water could not exist under Mars surface conditions.
Now, with the realization that liquid water can exist in small quantities in supercooled conditions under Mars conditions and that organics do exist on Mars, the question of current life on Mars needs to be revisited.
Bob Clark
‘A Great Moment’: Rover Finds Methane, a Clue That Mars May Harbor Life
By KENNETH CHANG DEC. 16, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/science/a-new-clue-in-the-search-for-life-on-mars.html
Curiosity Rover Finds Life's Building Blocks on Mars.
by Mike Wall, Space.com Senior Writer | December 17, 2014 07:00am ET
http://www.space.com/28033-mars-life-building-blocks-curiosity-rover.html
This second discovery relates to the finding of organic molecules in surface samples on Mars. The Viking missions of the 70's led to the wide spread conclusion of no life on Mars because the Viking landers were unable to identify organics in the samples collected, and because it was felt liquid water could not exist under Mars surface conditions.
Now, with the realization that liquid water can exist in small quantities in supercooled conditions under Mars conditions and that organics do exist on Mars, the question of current life on Mars needs to be revisited.
Bob Clark