The differences due to the season of methane within the Martian environment is an intriguing clue that there may be life hiding underneath the floor of the pink planet. However we received’t know for positive till we go digging for it.
Hints of methane on Mars return all the best way to the Mariner missions of the Seventies. However in 2013 NASA’s Curiosity rover noticed methane ranges round it rise to a number of occasions higher than the background. A number of months later it dwindled and disappeared, solely to return once more.
This Martian methane thriller poses an fascinating problem for scientists. On one hand, there are identified chemical reactions that may take the molecules identified to exist on Mars and switch them into methane. For instance, liquid water interacting with magnesium- and iron-rich rocks like olivine can oxidize them, which might produce pockets of hydrogen. This hydrogen can then react with the carbon dioxide within the Martian environment by way of the Fischer-Tropsch course of to supply methane.
However whereas this state of affairs is comparatively easy, the satan is within the particulars. To ensure that this course of to work there have to be liquid water underground. And another mechanism wants to have the ability to take away the methane, or no less than make this course of cycle on and off each few months.
That opens up the likelihood for all times. We all know of types of life on Earth often called methanogens that don’t get their vitality from photosynthesis. As a substitute they primarily eat hydrogen and produce methane as a byproduct. The benefit of utilizing life to clarify the Martian methane thriller is that it might doubtlessly naturally introduce differences due to the season. When situations change underneath the Martian floor, for instance by way of the warming summer season months or cooling winter months, then the life can reply appropriately.
However whereas this speculation explains the seasonal variation, it doesn’t get round the truth that the Martian life would nonetheless want a supply of water to reside. Plus, we’ve completely no proof for any life showing on Mars, even in its distant previous.
Up to now there isn’t any clear consensus as to what’s inflicting the differences due to the season of methane on Mars. The concept of life underneath the floor of the pink planet stays a tantalizing chance. The one technique to reply that is to maintain sending missions again to Mars and begin digging.
