[NormsRevenge]

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoenix/main/index.html

NASA Spacecraft Analyzing Martian Soil Data, Teleconference Scheduled

08.04.08. — Scientists are analyzing results from soil samples delivered several weeks ago to science instruments on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander to understand the landing site’s soil chemistry and mineralogy.

NASA will hold a media teleconference on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. EDT, to discuss these recent science activities.

[6SJ7]

The soil has the acidity of chlorine, the temperature is a balmy -40 F°, the air is thinner than at the top of Mt. Everest, and now you tell me I can’t grow some nice cabbages on Mars?

[Spunky]

WATER FOUND ON MARS

BUT ONLY FIT FOR A MARTIAN.

[kidd]

perchlorate is the solvent used to dry clean clothes.

Mildly carcinogenic

[wastedyears]

Well, wouldn’t vaporizing the samples kinda skew the information they’ll get from it?

[bigheadfred]

“We have analyzed 3 grams of dirt from an area the size of a planet and have concluded we don’t know a fricking thing about a fricking thing”, NASA said today.

[sit-rep]

Two samples analyzed within the last month by Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) suggest that the Martian dirt may contain perchlorate, a highly oxidizing substance, which would create a harsh environment for any potential life.

Well gee.... No wonder nothing is growing or living there...

[PC99]

This would support the Viking soil conclusions from the 1970’s - complex organic molecules don’t have a chance in such an environment.

[Migraine]

Why always LIFE? I think there may be popsicle sticks up there. That’s what keeps me enthused.

[meyer]

New results from NASA's Phoenix Mars lander suggest that the surface layers of the Martian arctic region may not be as friendly to life as initial results suggested...

It can't be much worse than the chirt that makes up most of my yard.

[Brett66]

which would create a harsh environment for any potential life

That's a really broad term, which type of life are they referring to? Obviously earth-like life would find it harsh.

[JasonC]

And the fact that it is as cold as antarctica and devoid of water or oxygen, well, those are just a bonus.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Ping!

[SunkenCiv]

Martian soil may contain detrimental substance
by Alicia Chang
August 05, 2008

NASA's Phoenix spacecraft has detected the presence of a chemically reactive salt in the Martian soil, a finding that if confirmed could make it less friendly to potential life than once believed... preliminary results from a second lab test found perchlorate, a highly oxidizing salt, that would create a harsh environment... On Earth, perchlorate is a natural and manmade contaminant sometimes found in soil and groundwater. It is the main ingredient in solid rocket fuel and can be found in fireworks, pyrotechnics and other explosives... The first test determined the soil was slightly alkaline and contained nutrients such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride necessary for living things. The second test found the highly reactive perchlorate.