NASA Announces Evidence of Briny Water on Ancient Mars - Implications for Life

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NASA's announcement of ancient briny water on Mars suggests the planet may have once supported life, marking a significant discovery in astrobiology. While some experts believe this finding could lead to adjustments in the values of Drake's equation, many in the field have long suspected the presence of water on Mars. The potential discovery of fossils, particularly simple organisms, could further validate these theories. However, formal changes to the equation's parameters await concrete evidence of life, such as fossilized remains or living bacteria. This discovery enhances the ongoing exploration of Mars as a candidate for past life.
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PASADENA, Calif. -- Mars had a shallow pool of briny water on its surface long ago, NASA said Tuesday in announcing what could be the strongest evidence yet that the now-dry Red Planet once was hospitable to life.

Reference:
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/mar/03242004/nation_w/150749.asp
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Good stuff.

Are people cranking up any of the values that go into Drake's equation as a result of the finding that there was an era of standing water on Mars?
 
Janitor said:
Are people cranking up any of the values that go into Drake's equation as a result of the finding that there was an era of standing water on Mars?
Maybe, but AFAIK, most of those who work in this field (astro-biologists?) were convinced many years ago that there was standing/flowing water on Mars way back when. Many will be not at all surprised if fossils of simple organisms - "bacteria" - are found. Of course, in a formal sense, you can't put in higher numbers until such fossils have been found ...

Now, if eukaryote-like fossils are found ... or (better) living bacteria
 

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