Posted on 12/16/2014 11:00:01 AM PST by Red Badger
Unexplained methane spikes suggest bacteria is living on the red planet
Nasa scientists in California have revealed evidence for life on Mars They say methane spikes on the planet could be produced by bacteria And, at the moment, there is no better explanation for the spikes The signs were spotted briefly occurring by one of Curiosity's instruments Life is the chief producer of methane on Earth, although there are many non-biological processes that can also generate the gas But no such process could be ruled out during tests - suggesting there may be bacteria living on or under the surface of Mars In the past few months, conclusive evidence has been found that Mars once had water on its surface, but one greater question remains: Was there, or is there still, life on Mars as well?
Scientists may be on the brink of answering that question with an equally conclusive 'yes', as convincing evidence has been detected by Nasa's Curiosity rover.
An instrument on the rover identified spikes of methane that scientists believe may have come from bacteria-like organisms on the surface - and it could be the first alien life ever detected.
Previous satellite observations have detected unusual plumes of methane on the planet.
But none of these previous readings are as extraordinary as the sudden 'venting' measured at Gale Crater, where evidence suggests water once flowed billions of years ago.
Curiosity landed in the 96 mile-wide (154km) crater in August 2012 and has been exploring the region ever since.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Let’s send Obama to investigate this development.
We need a geologist up there with a rock hammer and hand lens.
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