Extraterrestrial lifeforms have always been a subject of total mystery for the, but the real interest in this matter only started 15 years ago when scientists have found traces of Methane in Mars’s atmosphere, an organic molecule that is linked with the existence of many living things, including us, humans.
The studies conducted for the analysis of Mars’s atmosphere showed varying results regarding the quantity of Methane found in the surroundings. Some studies displayed levels of Methane numerous times over the standard concentrations, while in other studies, it was inexistent. These results intrigued and an interdisciplinary team from Aarhus University, deciding to carry out an investigation regarding a mechanism that would remove the Methane from Mar’s atmosphere.
Mars’s Methane Oscillation
Mars’s Methane production seems to change during other seasons, varying from about 0.24 parts per billion in norther part during the cold season to about 0.65 parts per billion during the hot season. In that time, there have been spotted residual traces of Methane being periodically released from different locations.
A wide-ranged of mechanisms have been suggested in order to explain the production and disappearance of the Methane during this time. For production, the Methane can be produced through biological processes (microbes) and non-biological through the interactions with the water, carbon dioxide, and olivine rock. The removal process represents a mystery to this day.
Martian Life and Methane
The team tried to use Mars-analog minerals like basalt and plagioclase, which lead them to the conclusion that during the erosion processes, the solids could be oxidized and gases ionized – therefore showing that the ionized Methane reacts and attaches to mineral surfaces.
The results showed the team that these subtle processes might be the cause of the removal of Mars’s Methane and then deposited inside its soil.
The conclusion of these investigations will bring the matter into a new light, although another question appears deriving from the researches: How can organic materials be preserved in the Martian environment?
Andre Blair s is the lead editor for . He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) from the School of Public Health, Department of Health Administration, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Andre specializes in environmental health, but writes on a variety of issues.