Methane is an interesting molecule because one of its many sources besides volcanism is life! Concentrations of methane have been detected in the Martian atmosphere from space but Curiosity is the first mission that will make similar observations of the gas from the surface. But if I were betting my money, I'd say that life as a source is a no no. Probably its presence may signify still active volcanism on the Mars which would still make it an incredible find. We'll find out tonight at
Friday, November 2, 2012
CH4 or bust: Telecon today! UPDATED
NASA will host yet another telecon today to give an update on Curiosity mission's atmospheric research efforts. I think we all know what that means Methane (or CH4; that's its chemical formula showing 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms) here we come!
Methane is an interesting molecule because one of its many sources besides volcanism is life! Concentrations of methane have been detected in the Martian atmosphere from space but Curiosity is the first mission that will make similar observations of the gas from the surface. But if I were betting my money, I'd say that life as a source is a no no. Probably its presence may signify still active volcanism on the Mars which would still make it an incredible find. We'll find out tonight at2000hrs 17000hrs GMT. You can listen in on today (11/02/2012) via ustream or NASA's audio feed.
Methane is an interesting molecule because one of its many sources besides volcanism is life! Concentrations of methane have been detected in the Martian atmosphere from space but Curiosity is the first mission that will make similar observations of the gas from the surface. But if I were betting my money, I'd say that life as a source is a no no. Probably its presence may signify still active volcanism on the Mars which would still make it an incredible find. We'll find out tonight at
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