Is there evidence to support past life on Mars?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Richard87
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Life Mars
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the possibility of past life on Mars, with participants expressing skepticism about the existence of advanced life forms. While some acknowledge the potential for microbial life, they argue that Mars lacks the geological and atmospheric conditions necessary for life to thrive, unlike Earth, which benefits from unique processes like plate tectonics and the stabilizing influence of its moon. The presence of fossilized structures in Martian meteorites is debated, with some asserting they are evidence of past life, while others suggest they could be non-biological formations. Concerns are raised about the lack of significant atmospheric changes on Mars, which would typically indicate biological activity. Overall, the consensus leans towards the unlikelihood of complex life on Mars, though microbial life cannot be entirely dismissed.
  • #31
DaveC426913 said:
I'm not sure about "almost immediately". 4.5 / .7 is > 15%.

That's almost 1/6th of its age spent lifeless.

It's important to note that the Earth had life as soon as it became habitable. Not as soon as it was formed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
608
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
12K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K