Rahulan Raj
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Nasa scientists may still be celebrating their discovery of liquid water on Mars, but they now face some serious questions about how they can investigate further and look for signs of life on the red planet.
The problem is how to find life without contaminating the planet with bugs from Earth.
The Guardian view on the discovery of liquid water on Mars: cause for great celebration
Editorial: Now the search is on to find living organisms on the red planet. Even traces of primitive microbes would rank among the most important discoveries in history
Researchers at the space agency are keen for the Curiosity rover to take a closer look at the long dark streaks created by liquid water running down craters and canyon walls during the summer months on Mars.
But the rover is not sterile and risks contaminating the wet areas with earthly bugs that will have hitched a ride to the planet and may still be alive.
The vehicle has been trundling around the large Gale crater looking for evidence that Mars was habitable in the ancient past. It has so far uncovered evidence of past river networks and age-old lakes.
Read more.....
Nasa faces contamination dilemma over Mars water investigations | Science | The Guardian
The problem is how to find life without contaminating the planet with bugs from Earth.
The Guardian view on the discovery of liquid water on Mars: cause for great celebration
Editorial: Now the search is on to find living organisms on the red planet. Even traces of primitive microbes would rank among the most important discoveries in history
Researchers at the space agency are keen for the Curiosity rover to take a closer look at the long dark streaks created by liquid water running down craters and canyon walls during the summer months on Mars.
But the rover is not sterile and risks contaminating the wet areas with earthly bugs that will have hitched a ride to the planet and may still be alive.
The vehicle has been trundling around the large Gale crater looking for evidence that Mars was habitable in the ancient past. It has so far uncovered evidence of past river networks and age-old lakes.
Read more.....
Nasa faces contamination dilemma over Mars water investigations | Science | The Guardian
d:d:hehe