18 replies to this topic

[Saru]

Simple organic molecules could be present just a few inches below the soil on the surface of Mars.

Christian Science Monitor said:

Researchers say that evidence of ancient life on Mars could take the form of simple organic molecules lying just beneath the Red Planet's surface, and that it could be detectable by NASA's newest rover, which is scheduled to touch down on the planet next month.

Read more...

[27vet]

I hope that Curiosity will answer these questions, but we really need to send a manned mission there.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

27vet, on 10 July 2012 - 03:02 PM, said:

I hope that Curiosity will answer these questions, but we really need to send a manned mission there.

In many ways unmanned missions are better in the search for life.

A robot, such as Curiosity, can be thoroughly decontaminated before launch. Any signs of life it finds are highly likely to be Martian in origin. You can not do the same with a human crew. There is a much higher likelihood of contaminating samples and even the planet itself.

[Aten]

I just hope Curiosity lands safely, it does seem like rather an ambitious way of landing :) anything after that would be great!

[Capt Snowflake]

Even if curiosity finds life isn't NASA forbidden from admitting such things?

[Aus Der Box Skeptisch]

Capt Snowflake, on 11 July 2012 - 12:29 AM, said:

Even if curiosity finds life isn't NASA forbidden from admitting such things?

Why would you think that?

[Capt Snowflake]

I've read they have guidelines dictating that contact with or evidence of extraterrestrial life is to be kept confidential.

[csspwns]

yea it would cause conflict with the religious people and cause people to panic and think tat aliens were gonna attack them any second

[CRIPTIC CHAMELEON]

They already know that their was some form of life on mars, this is just another way in which to calm the masses, why else would they be wanting to go there and put people there to live. They wouldnt do it if it was not viable.

Edited by CRIPTIC CHAMELEON, 11 July 2012 - 05:49 AM.

[WillSoMysterious]

There is definately evidence of Mars (bars) beneath the surface of Junior Chubb.

[Chrlzs]

Capt Snowflake, on 11 July 2012 - 01:45 AM, said:

I've read they have guidelines dictating that contact with or evidence of extraterrestrial life is to be kept confidential.

Where did you read that, and do you think that once evidence of ET was found, it could/would be kept secret?
If it was microbial, as seems likely on Mars, why would the evil PTB have to keep it covered up?
Is every country in on this - if not, wouldn't there be a slight problem in the future when someone else reveals it?

[Junior Chubb]

WillSoMysterious, on 11 July 2012 - 08:12 AM, said:

There is definately evidence of Mars (bars) beneath the surface of Junior Chubb.

Seven day's without Mars Bars will make one weak...

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Chrlzs, on 11 July 2012 - 12:01 PM, said:

Where did you read that, and do you think that once evidence of ET was found, it could/would be kept secret?
If it was microbial, as seems likely on Mars, why would the evil PTB have to keep it covered up?
Is every country in on this - if not, wouldn't there be a slight problem in the future when someone else reveals it?

More importantly, if NASA is forbidden from announcing the discovery of non-terrestrial life, why was it one of their scientists that announced the possibility of fossils in the ALH 84001 'Martian' meteorite in 1996?

[gOOgLer]

What kind of life are we,humans, looking for?

[Waspie_Dwarf]

gOOgLer, on 15 July 2012 - 10:09 AM, said:

What kind of life are we,humans, looking for?

Anything.

In the case of Mars simple microbial life.