Is there a Life On Mars Conspiracy?

Times Online ^ | 06/11/2009 | Michael Brooks

[Scythian]

Some pesky scientists have just pointed out an appalling design error in NASA’s latest attempts to find life on Mars. This is beginning to look like a conspiracy. Does someone not want us to find life on Mars?

NASA has tried looking for signs of life on Mars precisely once, in the 1976 Viking mission. The result was positive. The reason nobody says there is life on Mars is that another experiment, part of the same mission, couldn’t find any carbon-based “organic” chemicals in Martian soil. This, NASA decided, overruled the other result: with no carbon present, there could be no microbes living on or under the surface of Mars.

Last year, the Phoenix lander repeated the carbon search and failed to find organic molecules. The problem is, we know that there ought to be organic molecules on Mars. Asteroid and comet impacts will have put them there. So what’s going on?

[Scythian]

This last line of the article sure is something.

So, the question remains: have attempts to explore Mars been secretly scuppered by religious scientists keen to keep planet Earth “special”?

[wastedyears]

Maybe giant robots are coming...

[Brookhaven]

The problem is, we know that there ought to be organic molecules on Mars. Asteroid and comet impacts will have put them there.

---

What?

And where would the asteroids and comets get “organic” molecules? Let’s assume the didn’t get them from the Earth (the only place we currently know for sure “organic” stuff exists.) Why would there be not just an expectation, but an assumption that asteroids contain organic material?

[Incorrigible]

Mars.... Needs... Women...

[humblegunner]

Maybe giant robots are coming...

If they were doing that, wouldn't that deposit carbon-based “organic” chemicals in Martian soil?

[editor-surveyor]

"This is beginning to look like a conspiracy. Does someone not want us to find life on Mars?"

No, quite to the contrary; NASA has a vested interest in faking life on Mars to keep the sham rolling, and their over-generous salaries flowing.

[SkyDancer]

[JoeFromSidney]

I'm puzzled. Yes, meteorites found on Earth have organic molecules in them. I'd expect these same molecules to be found on Mars as a result of meteor bombardment.

The perchlorates in the soil would oxidize the carbon in the organic molecules, especially if heated. But the carbon won't disappear. It will still be present as carbon dioxide. Didn't the experiment test for that?

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

[Do Not Make Fun Of His Ears]

Foolish Earthlings!

While you look to Mars, the Mushroom People are planning to attack Cincinnatti!

[Do Not Make Fun Of His Ears]

Quick...we need someone to photoshop Tourist Guy on Mars...

[count-your-change]

I think when the term “organic” is used in chemistry it simply means “carbon based”. Carbon based molecules can exist without life but life doesn't exist with carbon molecules.

[MyTwoCopperCoins]

You are mistaking “organic” chemicals to mean those produced by living beings. It’s not true. Benzene is an organic compound. It can be produced in the lab out of completely inorganic compounds. Same happens with asteroids and ther objects in space, when carbon, oxygen and hydrogen molecules interact.

[Cincinatus]

They don’t need to fake the discovery of life — they’ve been quite successful in establishing an entitlement for Mars exploration based merely on the promise to look for it.

[count-your-change]

Creationists have sneaking into the NASA labs at night and fiddling with the controls on the machinery.

[rednesss]

We need to shoop the Katrina guy into a Martian panorama.

[dartuser]

No doubt by that legion of creationists that infect NASA these days. </sarc>

[marron]

Christians believe in a Creator God.

More examples of creation would only enhance His coolness.

[Dallas59]

Which religion? There are Hindu Scientists, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jewish.......