6153 replies to this topic

[synchronomy]

Hazzard, on 23 November 2012 - 03:57 PM, said:

JPL said the findings will be revealed Dec. 3 at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco.

I don't see it listed yet, but usually such events are carried live here:
http://www.nasa.gov/...satv/index.html

[Hazzard]

http://www.wired.com...-news-organics/

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

It's a photo of a two metre tall blue box, with a man dressed like a Victorian explorer (including Pith Helmet) sitting in a canvas chair sipping a mint julep outside it.

[DONTEATUS]

We need a Betting Line in here !  Who thinks the news will be just a bit over baked ?
1. Organic matter,proof of Life.
2. compounds that show a high possibility of life like goodies.
3.An old wrapper from a Mars candy bar.
4.A message in a bottle.
5. none of the above.

[Hazzard]

Im in, Big D,... Im guessing its that final proof of ET  life – past or present.

To me, either would have astounding implications.




Cheers people on Earth - We are not the only place in town.

[DONTEATUS]

Hazzard, on 24 November 2012 - 12:34 AM, said:

Im in, Big D,... Im guessing its that final proof of ET  life – past or present.

To me, either would have astounding implications.




Cheers people on Earth - We are not the only place in town.

We shall tip a toast till the wee hours of the night that day Hazzard ! You me and about three Billion peeps on this Rock !

[mcrom901]

"It won't be earthshaking but it will be interesting," Webster told Time. "As for history books, the whole mission is for the history books."

http://www.techradar...ter-all-1115437

[Chrlzs]

Ahem...

Sorry...

[Slave2Fate]

Chrlzs, on 28 November 2012 - 12:41 PM, said:

Ahem...

Sorry...

Well that's a bit disappointing...

[synchronomy]

Slave2Fate, on 28 November 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

Well that's a bit disappointing...

I expect both the initial report dramatizing the excitement of the data, and these recent reports downplaying it, will be found to be somewhat more polarized than the true reality.
Looking forward to the formal presentation, which I am confident will be somewhere in the gray zone between the two.
Confirmation of some organics molecules would be exciting enough.
Perhaps molecules commonly found in diatom fossils would be more exciting.  Not necessarily confirming they are there, but more of a maybe they are if there are several molecules discovered.
Regardless of the data, it is a staggering technological achievement to have delivered such a complex vehicle like Curiosity to Mars.
Too bad there wasn't a couple of humans up there driving it...maybe someday.
I'm hopeful that Curiosity will discover something that will provide political motivation to back a manned mission in the near future.
The technology is doable...just need some cash (a lot)

edited for spelling and grammar

Edited by synchronomy, 28 November 2012 - 05:34 PM.

[badeskov]

Slave2Fate, on 28 November 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

Well that's a bit disappointing...

Agreed! Oh well.

Chrlzs, thanks for posting!

Cheers,
Badeskov

[Slave2Fate]

badeskov, on 28 November 2012 - 11:07 PM, said:

Agreed! Oh well.

Chrlzs, thanks for posting!

Cheers,
Badeskov

Hey badeskov, good to see you posting again.

I usually try not to get too excited about scientific announcements until the 'veil is pulled back' yet I have to admit that I had my fingers crossed on this one.

That's not to downplay Curiosities exemplary efforts thus far, it is still fascinating stuff and I'm pleased as punch that we have another rover up there digging through the Martian soil. There is still time for the discovery of alien life on Mars. If there was life on Mars and there is still evidence to be found, we'll find it eventually.

[booNyzarC]

In a way I'm hoping that there is no sign of life discovered on Mars, except maybe fossilized long-since-extinct remains.  If it is completely dead it opens the possibility for colonization.  If there is life there, even microbial, colonization questions get hampered by possible morality issues.  I'd rather have us find life on a place like Europa, where we would have very little genuine interest of colonization in the first place.

At any rate, any new news from the Mars front is welcome as it means we're learning things that we didn't previously know; and that is always a good thing.  

Thanks for the link Chrlzs

[Slave2Fate]

booNyzarC, on 29 November 2012 - 01:20 AM, said:

In a way I'm hoping that there is no sign of life discovered on Mars, except maybe fossilized long-since-extinct remains.  If it is completely dead it opens the possibility for colonization.  If there is life there, even microbial, colonization questions get hampered by possible morality issues.  I'd rather have us find life on a place like Europa, where we would have very little genuine interest of colonization in the first place.

At any rate, any new news from the Mars front is welcome as it means we're learning things that we didn't previously know; and that is always a good thing.  

Thanks for the link Chrlzs

I think the morality issue would depend on the density of the microbial life in question. If there were a dense 'population' of microbial life and it wasn't harmful to us I don't think anyone would have a problem with sharing space, so to speak. Humans have historically intruded more for less gain.

On a satirical note, if we somehow bequeath Martian microbes with 'rights', how long would it be before we had to fill out an application to the government before we could sterilize our own bathrooms?   Kidding of course...

[DONTEATUS]

What a few amino acids in the test pot anyway ?
Its everything I say !