NASA scientists say that first analysis of Martian soil appeared to contain the requirements to support life.
Scientists
working on the Mars Phoenix Lander mission said preliminary analysis by
the lander's instruments on a sample of soil scooped up by its robotic
arm had shown it to be much more alkaline than expected.
"We basically have found what appears to be the requirements, the
nutrients, to support life whether past present or future," said Sam
Kounaves, the lead investigator for the wet chemistry laboratory.
"It is the type of soil you would probably have in your back yard,
you know, alkaline. You might be able to grow asparagus in it really
well. ... It is very exciting for us."
The 1 cubic centimeter (0.06 cubic inch) of soil tested was taken
from about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface of Mars and had a pH, or
alkaline, level of 8 or 9.
"We were all flabbergasted at the data we got back," Dr Kounaves said.
The scientists would not go as far as saying they now believe that
life, even mere microbes, definitively existed on Mars, saying the
results were very preliminary and more analysis was needed.
"There is nothing about the soil that would preclude life. In fact
it seems very friendly.... there is nothing about it that is toxic," Dr
Kounaves said
Phoenix landed on Mars on May 25 after a 10-month journey.
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