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
|
|
Thursday, January 30
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser Spaceplane Successfully Passes NASA Testing Milestone in Preparation for Launch
Sierra Space — 5:24 am ET (1024 GMT) Dream Chaser Clears Key Pre-Space Mission Test Hurdle
Aviation Week — 5:24 am ET (1024 GMT) Texas Space Commission approves $21.5 million in grants
San Antonio Express-News — 5:23 am ET (1023 GMT) Britain takes stake in SpaceX rival Orbex to boost space ambitions
CNBC — 5:20 am ET (1020 GMT) Scandinavian Airlines partners with SpaceX for free in-flight Starlink services
Teslarati — 5:20 am ET (1020 GMT) |
