NASA to Announce Mars Mystery Liquid water today

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around NASA's upcoming announcement regarding the discovery of liquid water on Mars, specifically related to Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) and its implications for the potential for life on Mars. Participants explore the scientific significance of the findings, the methods used to study Mars, and the broader implications for future exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the connection between the discovery of liquid water and the formation of RSL, suggesting that these features may require flowing water to exist.
  • There are discussions about the implications of finding perchlorates in relation to liquid water, with some suggesting that the water is likely very salty, which raises questions about the survival of life.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for contamination of Martian environments by Earth microbes, with references to NASA's sterilization protocols for spacecraft.
  • Some participants speculate on the possibility of using Martian resources, such as perchlorates, for future human missions, including the production of rocket fuel.
  • There are varying opinions on the significance of the announcement, with some viewing it as confirmation of earlier suspicions and others suggesting it opens new avenues for understanding Martian life.
  • Participants express curiosity about the nature of the announcement and its implications for future exploration and the search for life on Mars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus among participants; multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of the findings, the significance of the announcement, and the potential for life on Mars.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the current understanding of RSL and the conditions on Mars, including the challenges of exploring certain terrains and the implications of microbial contamination.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those following planetary science, astrobiology, and the exploration of Mars, as well as individuals curious about the implications of recent discoveries in the field.

  • #61
mfb said:
Just quoting ...scientists.
...

1992 University of Utah press release.
"We hope we'll be able to work with others to develop this into a useable technology for generating heat and power for the world," says Fleischmann. "The process is clean and indications are it will be economical compared to conventional nuclear systems."
 
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  • #62
mfb said:
Just quoting NASA[/color] scientists.
 
  • #63
Yes NASA has scientific prestige. So did Pons and Fleischmann. NASA also has a colossal potential conflict of interest by way of desire to promote more Mars missions by stirring public interest and thus enhancing budgets. We avoid possible bias by focus on the detailed findings and not employers.
 
  • #64
So where is the point?
"X claims Y" is a valid statement, Y is discussed seriously in the scientific community, and it is the main topic of this thread.
 
  • #65
DennisN said:
I am adding a link to the upcoming live stream here, in case there are others who'd like to watch it on Sep 28, 8:30 a.m. PT :
Quote: "The event will also be carried live on: http://www.ustream.tv/NASAJPL"

Well, now you made it impossible for me to resist posting a link to this sketch. :smile:

Fantastic as it is! Thanks for this LINK!
 
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