January 2009

This week’s question concerns the presence of methane on the planet Mars. A team of NASA and university scientists observed plumes of methane in the Martian atmosphere, after prolonged observation with NASA’S Infrared Telescope Facility and W.M. Keck telescope. The plumes were observed over areas that show evidence of ancient ground ice or flowing water. Methane is a main component of natural gas on Earth. Scientists speculate the methane could be produced by geological processes, or possibly from microscopic life forms residing beneath the Martian surface. What do you think? Does the presence of methane on Mars signal the possibility of life? Yes or no?

Vote here.