Methane on Mars could signal life [now]

AI Thread Summary
Methane detected in the Martian atmosphere may indicate the presence of life, as it is constantly replenished due to its short lifespan. This discovery was confirmed by both Earth-based telescopes and the European Space Agency's Mars Express craft. The potential sources of methane include active volcanoes, which have not yet been found, or microbial life. Additionally, the discussion raises questions about the contribution of extraterrestrial materials, such as comets and meteorites, to Martian methane levels. The implications of these findings suggest a significant annual rate of methane production on Mars.
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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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