NASA's Curiosity rover, scheduled to land on Mars August 5, may be able to detect life. According to a new study, though the Martian surface is likely sterile due to its constant exposure to radiation, organic molecules could exist mere inches below the surface-- within range of Curiosity's drills.
Organic molecules wouldn't clinch the case for life, however. The study finds it'd be necessary to go down feet before real life would be likely. That's beyond the reach of Curiosity, but a strategy might change that. Researchers propose Curiosity should seek out a young crater and descend into it. The floor of such a crater would be well below the surrounding surface, thus giving the rover access to what might be some interesting strata.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment