Ice on Mars
Of all the planets in our solar system besides Earth, Mars was the planet most likely to contain water. Recently, the Mars Express orbiter, using an instrument called the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS), has measured the amount of ice located in Mars’ south pole. Using the spacecraft, scientists discovered that the ice deposits are made up of 90% frozen water and dust. The ice there is located under the polar caps of frozen carbon dioxide. These deposits of ice are enormous, some were to 2.3 miles thick and were larger than Texas. Scientists estimated that if these deposits of ice were liquid, the surface of Mars would be covered in 36 feet of water.
This is an important discovery because water is required in order for any living organisms to survive. The presence of the ice means that there is a possibility that there may have been some forms of life on Mars. Also, this large supply of ice could also mean that, in the future, Mars can one day be colonized by humans. If we colonized a planet with no sources of water, constant shipments of water must be sent there in order for the colonists to survive. On Mars, these deposits of ice could provide a Mars colony with an abundant source of water, allowing it to survive on its own, without relying on Earth as much. With such a large supply of water, Mars could become our first target for space colonization in the future.
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posted by PWH @ 11:46 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
This is a very interesting article. It is remarkable how far the human generations have come. We have conquered the Earth and now are looking to outer space. A question I do have however is why would it be beneficial to colonize Mars? Is the Earth not good enough for us?
wow this is a very interesting piece you have here. The question of whether there was life on mars has been on debate for decades. With this evidence finally revealed after numerous mars probe setbacks, we just might be getting a definitive answer. What comes to mind though is what may have caused the life (or the potential at least) to suddenly dissappear? If theres evidence of life, there must be evidence of a cause of death as well.
I liked this article because it showed how scientific evidence can breathe life back into theories long thought dead. Life is too prevalent to be locked up on one planet. There are plenty of organisms that live in extreme conditions. It’s only a matter of time before we once again discover organisms in the least likely of places.
So since there was a discovery of an abundant source of water, would the possibility of prior life forms on Mars be far-fetched? With overpopulation being a concern for Earth maybe it would be beneficial for human colonization on Mars. However, the idea of transporting a big population of humans from Earth to Mars is unrealistic because it would be a difficult task to attempt. Even if that was possible, I don't think colonization on Mars would happen anytime soon because we would have to make sure that there wouldn't be any setbacks to living on Mars. Very interesting blog by the way.
posted by nguyean7
Our exploration of space has come a long way since man landed on the moon. I would be very interested to consider how we might go about probing the environments of other planets. Mars is such a popular planet that I wonder how much time we have spent thinking about the potentials of other planets. There is always something new to discover- it seems like we are living science fiction!
although mars does have a supply of water, there is no free oxygen. how do you think humans would transport, or derive oxygen so that they can stay there?
This is a very interesting and enthralling topic. The information they have been able to gather is remarkable but one must wonder; if all of the water is in ice form is the planet simple too cold for human life? Since there was once evidence of life form you must wonder what drove that life out.
You certainly chose a unique and interesting topic to write about. However, I don't think that the presence of water is enough evidence to suggest the possibility of past life on Mars. Sure, water is necessary to support life, but there are many other things needed for life to exist. Also, the idea of Mars colonization has always sparked interest in people. I believe that we are far from this though, and I also believe that the idea won't be given serious thought until we completely consume all of Earth's resources. But overall, great post. Keep up the good work.
ryanj6
With the discovery of water on Mars do you believe that there is support for the idea that life could be supported on Mars and do you also believe that Mars hass supported life already? It will be interesting to see where the future of space exploration takes us. Also, how far into the future do you think it will be before we know whether Mars may be able to support human life from our planet?
wow this is a finding literally out of this world! It proved that the science fiction stories about people moving to Mars can actually happen. But I wonder how we can get the atmosphere in Mars to support us? It must be freezing there since there are large amounts of frozen CO2!
-lis6
If we could one day split the population on earth to a large amount living on Mars, it would benefit the earth greatly. There would be less pollution, and the green house effect would not be as strong. This would be a huge advancement in technology. If it could work, I think it should be considered.
The article is innovative. There is a lot of talk among scientists about human colonization of Mars and the principle elements that would allow human survival on another planet. If water were available on Mars however, then how could it be utilized? Why would we consider inhabiting an uninhabited planet that has no living organisms in it? Would that be to the benefit of humanity? Besides is there anything that would attract people to go live there, if it were able to be populated?
--timoteo
A very interesting blog. I really enjoyed it. How likely is it that these frozen polar ice caps on Mars, culd actually sustain life? What type of life could it be? Micro-organisms? Or larger, multi-celled organisms?
JMcNeill
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