According to http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/01/15/mars.methane/index.html methane gas was found on Mars which means there may be life on planet Mars! The website states that because methane can be expelled by certain microbes, I’m paraphrasing; there is a strong probability that they exist on the planet. The website goes on to say that salts, falling snow and nutrients have all been found on the planet which are also signs that there may be life. There have even been chemicals found that are toxic to humans but can be used as a food source for certain life forms to exist, which dispelled the concern that ice can be used for water but where would their food come from?
Isn’t it exciting? I actually do find it exciting, interesting, fascinating even. But at the same time I have to ask myself “so what?” if there is or was life on Mars what understanding do we really gain? Does that mean we get another planet to use as a personal garbage can? Also, the novelty’s gone. I don’t know if any of you remember, but the whole “Life on Mars” thing was suggested less than a year ago when they found ice on the planet. You can find more information about that on the aforementioned website and at http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/080620-phoenix-ice-update.html . Either way, the website states that the goal is to find life on Mars; which, yes, if there was life on Mars I would like to know about it. Why I’d like to know about it I have no idea other than the novelty of it all. However, my point is that finding life on Mars is as far as the goal goes. They mention nothing of what would be accomplished after they have found it. What does someone do with that kind of knowledge? Who benefits from this knowledge? But, I may just not be able to see the big picture and maybe I’m missing some huge implications by finding life on Mars, but as of right now, I have no idea what they are.
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Life on Mars?
ReplyDeleteLife on Mars!
Hasn't the debate on whether Mars could sustain life been going on for more years than any of us can remeber? So, where exactly does the fascination arrive?
It has long been said that Earth is the only planet that can sustain life, and now, with the additional information about Mars, it brings up the question of what is to happen when they finally say life can be sustained on "the Red Planet". Are Earthlings going to jump at the chance to go and live on the planet?
All this information does is add to the constant revelations that science creates. When will science cause us to believe something that cannot come true? Hopefully, this day never comes.