Life on Mars – Introduction:
Are we alone? The notion of extra-terrestrial life has tantalised humanity for many centuries. This has peaked in the last 70 years ever since we realised, we could explore other worlds using our technology.
Most recently the James Webb Telescope has the ability to look back 13 billion years, to the beginning of the Universe.
With that in mind, one celestial body that has captured our imagination like no other is Mars.
Fondly called the “red planet,” Mars has remained a subject of intense debate. Specifically, among scientists, Astrobiologists, and space enthusiasts alike. Today, with advancements in technology and space exploration, we delve into the question that has intrigued us for ages: Is there life on Mars?
Mars, our neighbouring planet, presents several intriguing features that have piqued the interest of researchers. The planet’s geology, topography, and the presence of water in the past have hinted at the possibility of supporting life. Understanding Mars’ climatic conditions, atmospheric composition, and geological history provides crucial insights into the potential habitats on this enigmatic planet.
NASA’s Mars missions, including rovers and orbiters, have played a pivotal role in our search for life on the red planet. One of the primary objectives of these missions has been to analyse the geology and look for signs of past or present life. Rover missions such as Curiosity have extensively examined Martian soil, rocks, and looked for traces of organic compounds. The recent Perseverance mission, equipped with cutting-edge technology, aims to collect samples that will provide us with more comprehensive insights into Mars’ potential habitability.
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Scientists believe that Martian habitats could exist below the planet’s surface, where conditions might be more favourable for life. It is speculated that subterranean environments could shield organisms from the harsh radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations on the planet’s surface. The discovery of liquid water beneath the ice caps and recurring slope lineae has further fuelled hopes for habitability.
Methane, a key indicator of biological activity, has intermittently been detected on Mars. While its presence can be explained through non-biological processes, the possibility of microbial life producing the gas has not been completely ruled out. Researchers remain focused on understanding the source and variations of methane on Mars, as it could provide substantial evidence to support the existence of life.
Life may have been discovered on Mars almost 50 years ago, but it could have been unintentionally destroyed. This theory arises from the ambiguous results of life detection experiments conducted by NASA’s Viking landers in the mid-1970s.
The Viking landers identified small amounts of chlorinated organics, initially believed to be contamination from Earth. However, subsequent missions have verified the presence of native organic compounds on Mars, although in a chlorinated form.
Life on Mars could have adapted to the arid environment by existing within salt rocks and absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. The Viking experiments, which involved adding water to soil samples, might have overwhelmed these potential microbes, leading to their demise.
The advancement of space technology holds immense promise for unravelling the mysteries surrounding Mars’ potential for life. Future missions like the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover and NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission aim to delve deeper into the search for life on the red planet. These missions will bring back Martian samples to Earth, allowing scientists to conduct more detailed analyses in controlled laboratory environments.
The question of whether there is life on Mars continues to captivate our collective consciousness. While compelling evidence has yet to definitively support the existence of extra-terrestrial life, the quest remains ongoing.
Through breakthroughs in space exploration and scientific research, we inch closer to unlocking the secrets of our cosmic neighbour. The tantalising question of life on Mars remains unanswered, leaving us poised on the threshold of a potential paradigm-shifting discover
