Life on Mars? Scientists close to solving mystery of the red planet

[Judi Lynn]

Mission to find source of methane detected in atmosphere may have an answer in months, researchers believe

Robin McKie Science Editor
Sat 28 Apr 2018 16.01 EDT

Scientists have begun an experiment aimed at solving one of astronomy’s most intriguing puzzles: the great Martian methane mystery.

In the next few months they hope to determine whether tantalising whiffs of the gas that have been detected on the red planet in recent years are geological in origin – or are produced by living organisms.

On Earth, methane is produced mostly by microbes, although the gas can also be generated by relatively simple geological processes underground. The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which has been manoeuvring itself above Mars for more than a year, has been designed to determine which of these sources is responsible for the planet’s methane. Last week sensors on the craft were deployed and began making their first measurements of the planet’s atmosphere.

“If we find traces of methane that are mixed with more complex organic molecules, it will be a strong sign that methane on Mars has a biological source and that it is being produced – or was once produced – by living organisms,” said Mark McCaughrean, senior adviser for science and exploration at the European Space Agency.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/apr/28/proof-life-mars-months-away-gas-orbiter