spacetoday.net: Curiosity detects methane "spikes" in Martian atmosphere

Curiosity detects methane "spikes" in Martian atmosphere

Posted: Wed, Dec 17, 2014, 8:41 AM ET (1341 GMT)
Curiosity self portrait, June 2014 (NASA)

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.