Olympus Mons on Mars is an incredible natural formation. A volcano-- possibly still simmering, if not outright active-- it is three times the height of Mt. Everest, with a base equal in area to the State of Arizona. According to a recent study, Olympus Mons might have yet another remarkable distinction. It might be a sanctuary for Martian life.
At its most basic, scientists argue, life needs energy and liquid water. If there is still heat in the belly of the giant volcano, Olympus Mons could supply the energy. Does it shelter liquid water? Possibly. The formation is lopsided, and the study argues that could imply it rests atop a water-rich layer of sediment that has allowed the mountain to slide.
NASA's Christopher McKay argues we need to follow extremely strict biological protocols when exploring Mars to avoid possibly contaminating the planet with Earth microbes that could survive beneath the surface. That might be especially important as we undertake what would be an extraordinary chapter-- the exploration of Olympus Mons.
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