Mars methane almost absent, drop chances of finding life forms - Corriere della Sera

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5 OTHER MATTERS HIDE

found traces six times lower than expected

Mars methane almost absent, fall to find forms of life

would be an indirect evidence of the presence of biological activity on the Red Planet

Into The rover Curiosity on Mars (NASA)

The possibility of finding traces of life on Mars decrease after the latest discovery of Curiosity. The rover NASA has in fact completed the most accurate analysis so far carried out the atmosphere of the Red Planet and found that the methane content is only 1.3 ppb (parts per billion), which is six times less than the previous estimates . In recent years, scientists had speculated that a high content of methane could be the trace of the existence of indirect biological activity and thus the proof of life on Mars. Instead, the new discovery is greatly diminish the enthusiasm of finding ET (although in microscopic form) on Mars.

CURIOSITY – In March 2003, other scientists had estimated that 19,000 tons the amount of methane that had been found in an analysis carried out near the equator of the planet, kindling enthusiasms. The analysis, however, was performed using data collected by satellites orbiting Earth or Mars. Now, however, Curiosity, arrived on the surface of Mars in August last year, was able to analyze the atmosphere in a direct way and in different Martian seasons. Reducing almost to zero the possibility of finding traces of life still active or even trace fossils.

A SPIRAGLIO – However, Michael Mayer, chief scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration, still leaves open a crack. “These new data will be used to better target our research,” he said. “It is true that reduce the probability of the existence of methane-producing bacteria on Mars, but it is just a type of metabolism of microscopic organisms. In fact, on Earth there are many other microorganisms whose metabolism does not produce methane. “

PERSISTENCE – Adds Sushil Atreya, scientist at the University of Michigan, co-author of the study. “Under the conditions of Mars, methane does not disappear easily from the atmosphere. Once issued lasts for hundreds of years. So if we found only in small traces, it means that it is produced very little. “