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Frequently Asked Questions Is there life on Mars
Is there life on Mars?
We do not know the answer yet. However, much evidence has been collected that convinces many that there is or was life on Mars. The twin Viking landers from the 1970's carried out experiments to look for life. Nearly all scientists believed that no life was found at the two landing sites. But, Gilbert Levin, the lead scientist for the Labeled Release experiment, believes his device detected life.His website (www.biospherics.com/mars/ ) contains interesting information about the subject. In the mid 1990's a team of experts presented information about evidence of past life in a meteorite that came from Mars. Since that time much of the evidence has been refuted by other scientists. However, there are still questions about the data. Lately, two Mars Rover robots have found abundant data that support standing bodies of water on Mars. It seems that the question of life will remain unanswered until other robots and/or manned expeditions search in the most likely places. Currently, it is thought that Mars has always been very cold, but had short times when floods occurred, froze, then sublimed (evaporated directly from a solid to a gas) into the thin atmosphere. The links contained in this site's 'Life on Mars" will provide more information on this fascinating topic.
What is the face on Mars?
The Viking mission of the 70's photographed a hill that looked just like a face. But, when the hill was imaged with a much better camera and under different lighting conditions the face disappeared. The original and newer, improved images of the face can be found at Highest-Resolution View of "Face on Mars" (mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/msss/camera/images/moc_5_24_01/face/index.html). This face has been the subject of some popular TV programs and movies, including the movie "Mission to Mars," but it really does not look like a face when viewed from a different perspective. However, some people and organizations still believe it is just one of many artificial structures built by aliens.
My teacher said we had to write about Mars. How do I start?
Start with the "General Information" section. The links at the top contain the simplest information. After you read a short introduction, you may want to focus on a more limited topic like volcanoes of Mars or ice on Mars.
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I heard that we can participate in exploring Mars. What can we do? How do you find out about exploring Mars?
Although we will not be sending humans to Mars for a decade or more, all Americans can explore Mars by directing orbiting cameras to take pictures of parts of Mars. We all can use the highest resolution camera (MOC) on the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS). So far hundreds of pictures have been taken by average people. Some of them are quite good. After the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reaches orbit around Mars, we all can suggest areas for it to image. These images will be from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), the highest resolution camera ever to study a planet. We will be able to see objects as small as a kitchen table. If you are a student in grades 5 through college sophomore level, you can form a team that can suggest places to look at with the Mars Odyssey which is now orbiting Mars. Finally, you can help scientists examine the pictures from Mars by identifying and classifying Martian craters. You will first be given training. Over 800 people have already participated in this valuable service. Information on how to sign up for this wonderful programs are found in the section "How to explore Mars as an amateur."
Are there canals on Mars?
If you asked this, you are probably a little over the hill. The existence of canals was dismissed in the 1970's, as soon as we had spacecraft look for them. They were illusions. The minds of some astronomers produced them by linking spots into straight lines. For many decades most people believed in them. A book by Percival Lowell created quite a stir; it is available free online at nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/online_books.html#Mars
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What causes the seasonal changes on Mars?
For decades, astronomers saw a wave of darkening on the
surface and thought it to be like the Earth getting green in the spring-summer season. Theses changes are real, but they are caused by bright dust being added to or removed from underlying dark rocks. The changes are aided by planet-wide dust storms, many dust devils, and sand dunes.
Is there water on Mars?
There is a great deal of evidence of past and present water on Mars. Ice caps show evidence of present water. Many long and short river
and stream valleys prove that Mars has had great amounts of water flowing on its surface. Some scientists think Mars had ponds, seas, and even oceans for a time. An instrument onboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft detected much frozen water ice in vast areas of Mars. There is abundant evidence for the existence of past and present glaciers on parts of Mars. Both Mars Rovers found evidence of water. A large sea, the size of the Baltic sea, may have existed where the Opportunity Rover landed.
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There are a lot of links here. Did you leave out any type of link?
Yes, I did not list any links that promote the idea of large artificial structures on Mars. However, some of these links can be found at www.marslife.com
Who are you?
My name is Jim Secosky. I am a former science teacher with 28 years teaching various science courses including physical science, earth science, and astronomy. For many years, I took some students out West to study geology in the Grand Canyon. I also took teachers there as a graduate course that I taught. Some summers I taught a mini-course called "Drive the Space Shuttle" at a local science museum. I used the Hubble Space Telescope twice as an amateur. In January of 2008 I served as biologist/geologist/executive officer of Crew 64 in a two-week Mars simulation in Utah. This was through the Mars Society. Besides astronomy, I love other activities. As a college athlete, I wrestled and set the Greek Week record with 4010 sit-ups. Later in life, I earned a black belt and competed in many judo tournaments. I finished seven marathons. I love all kinds of music--I attended Woodstock 99. Last summer I saw Styx, REO, and Alice Cooper in concert.
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