Astronomy

The possibility of extraterrestrial life gives researchers sufficient reason to examine sample material from Mars.   Though there might not be active living life forms existent on Mars, there is evidence for habitability by comparing the similarities between Earth and Mars at one point in history.   Martian samples may give scientists a clue for the possibility of Martian meteorites containing life, and also insight into Mars’ geological history.   Also, Mars’ current status as a planet and it’s history rivaled similar environmental conditions of the earth.   Thus, by using Earth as a reference for the proliferation of life, Martian samples should prove to be scientifically relevant to further research and advancements in astrobiology.
First, in order to assimilate knowledge from Martian material, there must be an understanding of that current status of Mars and it’s relevance to the possibility of life.   Currently, Mars has carbon dioxide mostly in its atmosphere with a very low atmospheric pressure causing the water to be unstable.   Scientists use the presence of water as a guideline, and according to Earth’s life forms, water is a requirement for life.   In addition, Mars is a cold, and dry, however it has been evident that Mars once had river channels and floodplains (Bennet & Shostak, 2007).   Currently, scientists believe that Mars has water under its frozen polar caps, and consequently the possibility of pockets of liquid water.   Furthermore, Mars was seemingly habitable on its surface 2-3 billion years ago, suggesting the abundance of water and warmth.   The Viking landers tested for organic compounds seeking for current existence of life, the results were inconclusive but it was deemed highly unlikely for the evidence of microbes on the surface.   The most recent lander codenamed “Phoenix” is interested in examining the surface ice to search for buried organic material.   Therefore, scientists are actively seeking out whether organic compounds exist on Mars using...