Martian salt deposits could be clue in search for life
Posted: Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 10:20 AM ET (1420 GMT)
Salt deposits discovered on the surface of Mars in data from a NASA mission could help scientists identify prime locations to look for evidence of past life on the Red Planet. In a paper published in the journal Science this week, scientists reported detecting 200 locations in the planet's southern regions that had spectral characteristics, as measured by an instrument on NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter, consistent with chloride minerals. Scientists believe these deposits formed over 3.5 billion years ago when groundwater came to the surface and later evaporated, leaving behind the salt deposits. Such locations would be prime areas for primitive life to form.
Salt deposits discovered on the surface of Mars in data from a NASA mission could help scientists identify prime locations to look for evidence of past life on the Red Planet. In a paper published in the journal Science this week, scientists reported detecting 200 locations in the planet's southern regions that had spectral characteristics, as measured by an instrument on NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter, consistent with chloride minerals. Scientists believe these deposits formed over 3.5 billion years ago when groundwater came to the surface and later evaporated, leaving behind the salt deposits. Such locations would be prime areas for primitive life to form.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Senate committee advances Isaacman nomination to lead NASA
Posted: Sun, May 4 10:23 AM ET (1423 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, May 8
Industry Leader and Longtime Hughes CEO Pradman Kaul Dies
ViaSatellite — 6:50 am ET (1050 GMT) Elon Musk's Starlink gets govt nod in India for satcom service: What it means for users, pricing and more
Business Today — 6:48 am ET (1048 GMT) Elon Musk's internet company Starlink gets India approval: What does this mean? What services will you get? Explained
livemint — 6:48 am ET (1048 GMT) Elon Musk’s Starlink gets Indian regulatory go-ahead for satcom services
The Economic Times (India) — 6:45 am ET (1045 GMT) These students built a rocket, a satellite — and a national reputation
CSU Long Beach — 6:43 am ET (1043 GMT) |
