Curiosity detects methane "spikes" in Martian atmosphere
Posted: Wed, Dec 17, 2014, 8:41 AM ET (1341 GMT)
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has detected short-lived increases in methane concentrations in the Martian atmosphere, although scientists cautioned this does not mean the methane is produced by life. An instrument on Curiosity measured two spikes in the concentration of methane in the atmosphere, ten times above usual levels; the methane concentrations decayed within months. Scientists said the methane source must be localized, but have no data on what could be causing the methane release. Methane on Mars could be produced by microbes living below the Martian surface, but also through geological processes like the interaction of minerals with water.
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has detected short-lived increases in methane concentrations in the Martian atmosphere, although scientists cautioned this does not mean the methane is produced by life. An instrument on Curiosity measured two spikes in the concentration of methane in the atmosphere, ten times above usual levels; the methane concentrations decayed within months. Scientists said the methane source must be localized, but have no data on what could be causing the methane release. Methane on Mars could be produced by microbes living below the Martian surface, but also through geological processes like the interaction of minerals with water.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA to launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in September
Posted: Sat, Apr 25 10:54 AM ET (1454 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, April 28
DOD budget proposes new $250 million space operations center on Schriever
Colorado Springs Gazette — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) US Picks Companies for Golden Dome Weapon That Might Not Be Affordable
Business Insider — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) S. Korea nears completion of five-satellite network to monitor North Korea
Korea Herald — 4:57 am ET (0857 GMT) Atlas V rocket successfully launches Amazon satellites from Cape Canaveral
WESH-TV Orlando — 4:55 am ET (0855 GMT) SpaceX Details Bumps To Starship V3 First Flight
Aviation Week — 4:54 am ET (0854 GMT) |
