Topic: Mars Life

Perchlorates, Perchance?
Recent news reports have speculated that the Phoenix lander has discovered perchlorate on Mars. While Phoenix scientists admit that perchlorate salts may be present, they disagree with the assumption that the presence of such an oxidant makes the soil inhospitable for life.

Phoenix Sips Water
Laboratory tests aboard NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander have identified water in a soil sample.

Snow Queen Showing Her Age
When Phoenix landed on the martian surface, the spacecraft’s thruster exhaust blew away dirt and exposed a hard surface. Cracks now have appeared in this bright-toned area, which was nicknamed “Snow Queen” due to the assumption it is made of water ice.

When Mars Was a Water World
Two new studies indicate that Mars once hosted vast lakes, flowing rivers and other wet environments. Even more remarkable, the data supports the theory that Mars once had the potential to support life.

Spot the Difference: Alaska and Mars
Two geology professors have hypothesized that landscape features in Alaska are also seen on Mars, and the processes that formed those features are the same on both planets.

Phoenix Sticks a Fork in Mars
The Phoenix Mars Lander is continuing to dig into the martian soil. A fork-like probe will help determine how much frozen or unfrozen water is in the soil, while a microscope examines the shapes of tiny soil particles.

Unlocking Martian Rocks
A new study offers a simplified technique for detecting biological molecules in martian rock. The equipment is too large to be put on a rover, but it could be used to analyze samples brought back from Mars.

Rain Showers on Mars
A new study of martian soil suggests there was once enough water in Mars' atmosphere for a light drizzle to reach the ground. The finding has important implications in understanding the potential for past life on Mars.

Illuminating Organics
A new technique has been developed to identify organic matter in soils using ultraviolet light. The technology could be useful in the search for signs of life on Mars.

North Versus South
According to a new study, differences between the northern and southern hemispheres of Mars could be the results of an asteroid impact. The finding could yield important information about the history and evolution of the martian environment.