Methane detected in Martian atmosphere
Posted: Tue, Mar 30, 2004, 11:37 AM ET (1637 GMT)
Planetary scientists have discovered traces of methane gas in the atmosphere of Mars, but are guarded about whether this is evidence of life on the planet. Two separate surveys have detected traces of the gas in the atmosphere: one by European scientists using a spectrometer on the Mars Express spacecraft, and another by a NASA scientist using groundbased instruments. Because methane in the atmosphere is broken down by ultraviolet light over the span of just a few hundred years, the discovery implies that methane continues to be produced. One possible source of methane is emissions by microbes, possibly living beneath the Martian surface, but the methane could have a volcanic origin as well. Scientists said there is not enough information to determine which scenario is more likely to be correct.
Planetary scientists have discovered traces of methane gas in the atmosphere of Mars, but are guarded about whether this is evidence of life on the planet. Two separate surveys have detected traces of the gas in the atmosphere: one by European scientists using a spectrometer on the Mars Express spacecraft, and another by a NASA scientist using groundbased instruments. Because methane in the atmosphere is broken down by ultraviolet light over the span of just a few hundred years, the discovery implies that methane continues to be produced. One possible source of methane is emissions by microbes, possibly living beneath the Martian surface, but the methane could have a volcanic origin as well. Scientists said there is not enough information to determine which scenario is more likely to be correct.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, March 4
From Cedar Park to the moon | Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost makes safe landing
KVUE-TV Austin, TX — 5:49 am ET (1049 GMT) How Firefly Aerospace Emerges from Bankruptcy and Completes Historic Moon Landing
New York Observer — 5:48 am ET (1048 GMT) Blue Ghost moon landing brings more calls for investment into space exploration
KTBC-TV Austin, TX — 5:48 am ET (1048 GMT) Experts say Firefly's Moon landing is the first step to putting humans on the moon
KEYE-TV Austin, TX — 5:47 am ET (1047 GMT) Intrepid moon lander witnesses truly breathtaking lunar sunrise
Mashable — 5:46 am ET (1046 GMT) |
