Methane on Mars could signal life [now]

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SUMMARY

Methane has been detected in the Martian atmosphere, confirmed by the European Space Agency's Mars Express instruments, indicating a potential sign of life on Mars. The short lifespan of methane suggests it is being continuously replenished, with two primary sources proposed: active volcanoes, which have yet to be discovered, or microbial life. The discussion raises questions about the contribution of extraterrestrial materials, such as comets and carbonaceous meteorites, to the methane levels on Mars and the annual production rate of methane in tonnes per year.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Martian atmospheric composition
  • Familiarity with the European Space Agency's Mars Express mission
  • Knowledge of methane's chemical properties and lifecycle
  • Basic concepts of astrobiology and potential life indicators
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methods used to detect methane in extraterrestrial atmospheres
  • Explore the implications of microbial life on Mars and its detection techniques
  • Investigate the geological history of Mars regarding volcanic activity
  • Learn about the role of comets and meteorites in planetary atmospheres
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrobiologists, planetary scientists, and anyone interested in the search for extraterrestrial life and the study of Mars' atmosphere.

Ivan Seeking
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Could it be...? :eek:

Methane has been found in the Martian atmosphere which scientists say could be a sign that life exists today on Mars.
It was detected by telescopes on Earth and has recently been confirmed by instruments onboard the European Space Agency's orbiting Mars Express craft.

Methane lives for a short time in the Martian atmosphere so it must be being constantly replenished.

There are two possible sources: either active volcanoes, none of which have been found yet on Mars, or microbes. [continued]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3577551.stm
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Methane occurs in comets; carbon is found in carbonaceous meteorites; several million (?) tonnes of extra-(martial?) material falls on Mars each year ... how much methane in Mars' atmosphere arises from these sources?

Given that methane has a short life in the martian atmosphere, what is the annual rate of methane production implied by these results (in tonnes/year)?
 

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