Could Life Exist on Mars with the Discovery of Flowing Water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the implications of the discovery of flowing water on Mars for the potential existence of life, particularly in microscopic forms. It explores various theories and hypotheses regarding the conditions necessary for life to originate and survive, drawing comparisons to extremophiles on Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the discovery of flowing water on Mars increases the likelihood of finding life, even if it is improbable.
  • Others clarify that the water discovered is not typical flowing water but rather a highly salty sludge that forms under specific conditions.
  • It is noted that life on Earth has been found to survive in extreme conditions, which raises questions about the potential for life on Mars.
  • Some participants argue that the conditions for life to originate may need to be more hospitable than those required for life to exist, suggesting that extremophiles may have evolved from less extreme ancestors.
  • One participant references the theory that life on Earth likely originated near hydrothermal vents, indicating a potential model for understanding life's origins elsewhere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of the discovery of water on Mars, with no consensus reached regarding the conditions necessary for life to originate or exist. Some agree on the potential for life, while others question the nature of the discovered water and its implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between extremophiles and their less extreme ancestors, as well as the specific conditions under which the Martian water exists. There are unresolved questions regarding the ideal conditions for the origin of life.

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Does discovery of flowing water on Mars means that life even in microscopic form is possible ?
 
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It's always been possible however improbable it was. The discovery of flowing water gives us a good place to look for life as we know it.
 
What has been discovered is not exactly flowing water like a stream on Earth.
It's more of a highly salty sludge which only appears when the temperature and pressure are just right.
Nevertheless it is water bearing salty sludge and life is known to exist in similarly extreme conditions here on Earth.
 
I think it's fair to say that over the past 30 years or so we have discovered that life on Earth can survive under surprisingly difficult/extreme condition's. I think you would have to be brave to rule out any possibility of life on Mars based on current knowledge.
 
CWatters said:
I think it's fair to say that over the past 30 years or so we have discovered that life on Earth can survive under surprisingly difficult/extreme condition's. I think you would have to be brave to rule out any possibility of life on Mars based on current knowledge.

Is there any reason to think that life need conditions more hospitable to originate than to merely to exist in?
 
rollingstein said:
Is there any reason to think that life need conditions more hospitable to originate than to merely to exist in?
I think it's reasonable to assume that the best conditions for life to originate would not be in the sort of environments where extremophiles are found on Earth.
The reasoning being that the extremophiles we know of seem to be related to other less extreme organisms which have adapted to a more hostile environment.
Having said that though, the suitable conditions for life to originate could be quite various, there being no particular ideal temperature or suchlike.
 

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