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Life on Mars: A Definite Possibility

Was Mars once a living world? Does life continue, even today, in a holding pattern, waiting until the next global warming event comes along? Many people would like to believe so. Scientists are no exception. But so far no evidence has been found that convinces even a sizable minority of the scientific community that the red planet was ever home to life. What the evidence does indicate, though, is that Mars was once a habitable world . Life, as we know it, could have taken hold there.

The discoveries made by NASA ’s Opportunity rover at Eagle Crater earlier this year (and being extended now at Endurance Crater) leave no doubt that the area was once ‘drenched’ in water . It might have been shallow water. It might not have stuck around for long. And billions of years might have passed since it dried up. But liquid water was there, at the martian surface, and that means that living organisms might have been there, too.

So suppose that Eagle Crater – or rather, whatever land formation existed in its location when water was still around – was once alive. What type of organism might have been happy living there?

Probably something like bacteria. Even if life did gain a foothold on Mars, it’s unlikely that it ever evolved beyond the martian equivalent of terrestrial single-celled bacteria. No dinosaurs; no redwoods; no mosquitoes – not even sponges, or tiny worms. But that’s not much of a limitation, really. It took life on Earth billions of years to evolve beyond single-celled organisms. And bacteria are a hardy lot. They are amazingly diverse, various species occupying extreme niches of temperature from sub-freezing to above-boiling; floating about in sulfuric acid; getting along fine with or without oxygen. In fact, there are few habitats on Earth where one or another species of bacterium can’t survive.

What kind of microbe, then, would have been well adapted to the conditions that existed when Eagle Crater was soggy? Benton Clark III , a Mars Exploration Rover ( MER ) science team member, says his “general favorite” candidates are the sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio . Microbiologists have identified more than 40 distinct species of this bacterium.

Eating Rocks

We tend to think of photosynthesis as the engine of life on Earth. After all, we see green plants nearly everywhere we look and virtually the entire animal kingdom is dependent on photosynthetic organisms as a source of food. Not only plants, but many microbes as well, are capable of carrying out photosynthesis. They’re photoautotrophs: they make their own food by capturing energy directly from sunlight.

But Desulfovibrio is not a photoautotroph; it’s a chemoautotroph. Chemoautotrophs also make their own food, but they don’t use photosynthesis to do it. In fact, photosynthesis came relatively late in the game of life on Earth. Early life had to get its energy from chemical interactions between rocks and dirt, water, and gases in the atmosphere. If life ever emerged on Mars, it might never have evolved beyond this primitive stage.

Desulfovibrio makes its home in a variety of habitats. Many species live in soggy soils, such as marshes and swamps. One species was discovered all snug and cozy in the intestines of a termite. All of these habitats have two things in common: there’s no oxygen present; and there’s plenty of sulfate available.

Sulfate reducers, like all chemoautotrophs, get their energy by inducing chemical reactions that transfer electrons between one molecule and another. In the case of Desulfovibrio, hydrogen donates electrons, which are accepted by sulfate compounds. Desulfovibrio, says Clark, uses “the energy that it gets by combining the hydrogen with the sulfate to make the organic compounds” it needs to grow and to reproduce.

The bedrock outcrop in Eagle Crater is chock full of sulfate salts. But finding a suitable electron donor for all that sulfate is a bit more troublesome. “My calculations indicate [that the amount of hydrogen available is] probably too low to utilize it under present conditions,” says Clark. “But if you had a little bit wetter Mars, then there [would] be more water in the atmosphere, and the hydrogen gas comes from the water” being broken down by sunlight.

So water was present; sulfate and hydrogen could have as an energy source. But to survive, life as we know it needs one more ingredient carbon. Many living things obtain their carbon by breaking down the decayed remains of other dead organisms. But some, including several species of Desulfovibrio, are capable of creating organic material from scratch, as it were, drawing this critical ingredient of life directly from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas. There’s plenty of that available on Mars.

All this gives reason to hope that life that found a way to exist on Mars back in the day when water was present. No one knows how long ago that was. Or whether such a time will come again. It may be that Mars dried up billions of years ago and has remained dry ever since. If that is the case, life is unlikely to have found a way to survive until the present.

Tilting toward Life

But Mars goes through cycles of obliquity, or changes in its orbital tilt. Currently, Mars is wobbling back and forth between 15 and 35 degrees’ obliquity, on a timescale of about 100,000 years. But every million years or so, it leans over as much as 60 degrees. Along with these changes in obliquity come changes in climate and atmosphere. Some scientists speculate that during the extremes of these obliquity cycles, Mars may develop an atmosphere as thick as Earth’s, and could warm up considerably. Enough for dormant life to reawaken.

“Because the climate can change on long terms,” says Clark, ice in some regions on Mars periodically could “become liquid enough that you would be able to actually come to life and do some things – grow, multiply, and so forth – and then go back to sleep again” when the thaw cycle ended. There are organisms on Earth that, when conditions become unfavorable, can form “spores which are so resistant that they can last for a very long time. Some people think millions of years, but that’s a little controversial.”

Desulfovibrio is not such an organism. It doesn’t form spores. But its bacterial cousin, Desulfotomaculum, does. “Usually the spores form because there’s something missing, like, for example, if hydrogen’s not available, or if there’s too much [oxygen], or if there’s not sulfate. The bacteria senses that the food source is going away, and it says, ‘I’ve got to hibernate,’ and will form the spores. The spores will stay dormant for extremely long periods of time. But they still have enough machinery operative that they can actually sense that nutrients are available. And then they’ll reconvert again in just a matter of hours, if necessary, to a living, breathing bacterium, so to speak. It’s pretty amazing,” says Clark.

That is not to say that future Mars landers should arrive with life-detection equipment tuned to zero in on species of Desulfovibrio or Desulfotomaculum. There is no reason to believe that life on Mars, if it ever emerged, evolved along the same lines as life on Earth, let alone that identical species appeared on the two planets. Still, the capabilities of various organisms on Earth indicate that life on Mars – including dormant organisms that could spring to life again in another few hundred thousand years – is certainly possible.

Clark says that he doesn’t “know that there’s any organism on Earth that could really operate on Mars, but over a long period of time, as the martian environment kept changing, what you would expect is that whatever life had started out there would keep adapting to the environment as it changed.”

Detecting such organisms is another matter. Don’t look for it to happen any time soon. Spirit and Opportunity were not designed to search for signs of life, but rather to search for signs of habitability. They could be rolling over fields littered with microscopic organisms in deep sleep and they’d never know it. Even future rovers will have a tough time identifying the martian equivalent of dormant bacterial spores.

“The spores themselves are so inert,” Clark says, “it’s a question, if you find a spore, and you’re trying to detect life, how do you know it’s a spore, [and not] just a little particle of sand? And the answer is: You don’t. Unless you can find a way to make the spore do what’s called germinating, going back to the normal bacterial form.” That, however, is a challenge for another day.

“Is there life on Mars?” is a question people have asked for more than a century. But in order to finally get the answer, we have to know what to look for and where to go on the planet to look for evidence of past life. With the Perseverance rover set to land on Mars on February 18, 2021, we are finally in a position to know where to go, what to look for, and knowing whether there is, or ever was, life on the Red Planet.

Perseverance samples rocks with its attatched drill.

Science fiction aside, we know that there were not ancient civilizations or a population of little green people on Mars. So, what sort of things do we need to look for to know whether there was ever life on Mars? Fortunately, a robust Mars exploration program, including orbiters, landers, and rovers, has enabled detailed mapping of the planet and constrained important information about the environment.

We now know that there were times in the ancient past on Mars when conditions were wetter and at least a little warmer than the fairly inhospitable conditions that are present today. And there were once habitable environments that existed on the surface. For example, the Curiosity rover has shown that more than three billion years ago, Gale crater was the location of a lake  that held water likely suitable for sustaining life. Armed with information about the conditions and chemical environments on the surface, the Perseverance rover is outfitted with a science payload of instruments finely tuned for extracting information related to any biosignatures that might be present and signal the occurrence of life .

Interior and rim of Gale crater on Mars

Panoramic view of the interior and rim of Gale crater. Image generated from pictures captured by the Curiosity rover.

But where should we go on Mars to maximize the chances of accessing the rocks most likely to have held and preserve any evidence of past life? To get at that answer, I co-led a series of workshops attended by the Mars science community to consider various candidate landing sites and help determine which one had the highest potential for preserving evidence of past life. Using data from Mars orbiters coupled with more detailed information from landers and rovers, we started with around thirty candidate sites and narrowed the list over the course of four workshops and five years. Some sites were clearly less viable than others and were weeded out fairly quickly. But once the discussion focused on a couple of different types of potentially viable sites, the process became much tougher. In the end, the science community felt—and the Perseverance mission and NASA agreed—that Jezero crater was the best place to look for evidence of past life on Mars.

An aerial shot of red, dusky terrain

This image shows the remains of an ancient delta in Mars' Jezero Crater, which NASA's Perseverance Mars rover will explore for signs of fossilized microbial life. The image was taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera aboard the ESA (European Space Agency) Mars Express orbiter. The European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, operates the ESA mission. The High Resolution Stereo Camera was developed by a group with leadership at the Freie Universitat Berlin.

What is so special about Jezero crater and where is it? Jezero crater is ~30 miles (~49 km) across, was formed by the impact of a large meteorite, and is located in the northern hemisphere of Mars (18.38°N 77.58°E) on the western margin of the ancient and much larger Isidis impact basin. But what makes it special relates to events that happened 3.5 billion years ago when water was more active on the surface of Mars than it is today. Ancient rivers on the western side of Jezero breached the crater rim and drained into the crater, forming a river delta and filling the crater with a lake. From the study of river deltas on the Earth, we know that they typically build outwards into lakes as sediment carried by the associated river enters the lake, slows down, and is deposited. As this process continues, the delta builds out over the top of lake beds and can bury and preserve delicate and subtle signatures of past life. These “biosignatures” are what Perseverance will be looking for when it lands on the floor of the crater and explores the ancient lake beds and nearby delta deposits.

Perseverance will use its instruments to look for signs of ancient life in the delta and lake deposits in Jezero crater and will hopefully allow us to finally answer the question of whether there was ever life on Mars. In addition, Perseverance will begin the process of collecting samples that could one day be returned to Earth. The importance of sample return cannot be overstated. Whether or not evidence of past life is found by Perseverance’s instruments, the legacy enabled by samples the rover collects will be the “scientific gift that keeps on giving”. Once returned to Earth by a future mission, these Mars samples can be subjected to more detailed analysis by a much wider set of instruments than can be carried by Perseverance . Moreover, sample archiving can preserve material for future analysis here on Earth by new and/or more detailed instruments that may not yet exist. So even if Perseverance does not find evidence of past life, it will collect samples that, once returned to Earth, could provide new insight into the evolution of Mars and whether there was ever life on the Red Planet.

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  • Published: 21 February 2023

Life on Mars, can we detect it?

  • Carol R. Stoker   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7265-292X 1  

Nature Communications volume  14 , Article number:  807 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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Searching for evidence of life on Mars is a major impetus for exploration. A new study published in Nature Communications finds that current Mars mission instruments lack the essential sensitivity to identify life traces in Chilean desert samples that strongly resemble the martian area currently under study by NASA’s Perseverance rover.

Almost half a century ago the NASA Viking landers searched for evidence of life in Mars soils by attempting to detect active metabolism and measuring organic compounds by heating to vaporize them for detection via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). When no organic compounds were detected even at levels of parts per billion 1 , this provided a puzzle. Since organic compounds are continuously delivered to Mars by meteorites, comets, and interplanetary dust particles they should be ubiquitous and comprise up to 2% of Mars soil 2 . But where are they? This curious lack of organics argued both against a biological interpretation for results of the metabolism experiments, and for the presence of strong soil oxidants that actively destroy these compounds 3 . However, decades later the Viking GC-MS results were explained by the presence of high levels of perchlorate salts in the Martian soil 4 that oxidized organics during pyrolysis in the Viking GC-MS instrument 5 .

While Viking lander results seemed unpromising for surface life in the cold, dry martian conditions, data from Viking orbiters and later missions showed that Mars had surface liquid water early in its history (3 to 4 billion years ago) 6 where life may have thrived. This led later NASA rover missions to seek evidence of ancient habitable environments hosting organic remnants of life. The SAM ( Sample Analysis on Mars ) instrument on the Curiosity rover detected organics in ancient lakebed deposits 7 , 8 , but they are found at low levels (parts per billion) and appear to be highly altered. The Perseverance rover, now exploring an ancient illuvial fan river delta, has detected aromatic organic compounds using fluorescence spectroscopy 9 . But in these cases, the simple organics detected could have been delivered to Mars from space so proving a biological origin is impossible.

The paper by Azua-Bustos et al. 10 in Nature Communications describes analysis of samples collected from “Red Stone”, an alluvial fan river delta more than 100 million years old in the Atacama Desert of Chile, Earth’s oldest and driest desert. Red Stone has similar geology to the delta area currently being studied by NASA’s Perseverance rover 11 (Fig.  1 ). The Red Stone location (near the ocean) frequently experiences fogs that provide water for sparse but active microbial life that was detected by DNA extraction and gene sequencing, microscopy, and growth of a few microbial strains cultured from the samples. Most microbes identified consist of “microbial dark matter” i.e., genetic information is from organisms that have not yet been described.

figure 1

a Red Stone deposit from panorama image courtesy of Armando Azua-Bustos. b A section of the panoramic composite image [image PIA24921_MAIN-20k.jpg] of the Jezero delta captured by the MastCam-Z camera on the Perseverance Rover in June 2022 15 (Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS). The height of both white scale bars are ~2 m.

Samples from Red Stone were also analyzed by instruments that simulate those used on Mars, but even finding organics in these samples was challenging. A GC-MS instrument comparable to but ten times more sensitive than Curiosity rover’s SAM instrument was barely able to detect specific biogenic organic compounds at the limit of detection, suggesting that SAM could not have detected them. There was more success with organic detection after sample extraction with a powerful solvent that was also implemented on the SAM instrument. Indeed, the SAM instrument detected organics in both sedimentary mudstones and dune sands on Mars by using solvent extraction and derivatization (a chemical treatment to make organic compounds easier to detect) 8 .

Red Stone samples were analyzed with a testbed of the MOMA (Mars Organic Molecular Analysis) instrument 12 planned for the European ExoMars rover payload. No organics were detected when flash pyrolysis was used, but a few organic molecules were identified in evaporite samples when they were first extracted with a solvent and derivatized.

Red Stone samples were also analyzed with the SOLID-LDChip (Signs of Life Detector-Life Detector Chip) 13 , an instrument based on the technology of immunoassay that is commonly used in biomedicine. SOLID was designed for life detection on Mars but no scheduled missions plan to use it. Interestingly, the LDChip detected evidence of cyanobacteria that were not seen in the modern microbiota so Azua-Bustos et al. 10 posit these biosignatures were deposited along with the delta sediments at least 100 million years ago.

This Red Stone sample analysis 10 shows how critical it is to test instruments designed for life detection on other planets by using samples from relevant Earth analogs prior to selecting them for flight missions. If the biosignatures can’t be detected in Earth samples, where both current and ancient life is clearly documented, we should not expect these instruments to be capable of detecting evidence of life from Mars’ early history.

Azua-Bustos et al. 10 argue that detection of ancient life signatures will require sample analysis in sophisticated terrestrial laboratories. This same view has led to the current plans for searching for life: the Perseverance rover is collecting samples that are to be retrieved and brought to Earth by a future mission 14 . But any biological activity in these samples presumably took place billions of years ago, and only a few small samples can be brought to Earth for study. It remains to be seen if unambiguous signatures of life can be found in those limited samples. We must be cautious about interpreting absence of strong evidence of life as evidence of its absence!

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A small segment of a panorama comprised of Perseverance Rover MastCam-Z images (image PIA24921_Main-20k.jpg) taken June 2022. The full panoramic image is available for download at https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/26978/detailed-panorama-of-mars-jezero-crater-delta/ .

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life of mars essay

Images from Mars rover

Why we explore Mars—and what decades of missions have revealed

In the 1960s, humans set out to discover what the red planet has to teach us. Now, NASA is hoping to land the first humans on Mars by the 2030s.

Mars has captivated humans since we first set eyes on it as a star-like object in the night sky. Early on, its reddish hue set the planet apart from its shimmering siblings, each compelling in its own way, but none other tracing a ruddy arc through Earth’s heavens. Then, in the late 1800s, telescopes first revealed a surface full of intriguing features—patterns and landforms that scientists at first wrongly ascribed to a bustling Martian civilization. Now, we know there are no artificial constructions on Mars. But we’ve also learned that, until 3.5 billion years ago, the dry, toxic planet we see today might have once been as habitable as Earth.

Since the 1960s, humans have set out to discover what Mars can teach us about how planets grow and evolve, and whether it has ever hosted alien life. So far, only uncrewed spacecraft have made the trip to the red planet, but that could soon change. NASA is hoping to land the first humans on Mars by the 2030s—and several new missions are launching before then to push exploration forward. Here’s a look at why these journeys are so important—and what humans have learned about Mars through decades of exploration.

Why explore Mars

Over the last century, everything we’ve learned about Mars suggests that the planet was once quite capable of hosting ecosystems—and that it might still be an incubator for microbial life today.

Mars is the fourth rock from the sun, just after Earth. It is just a smidge more than half of Earth’s size , with gravity only 38 percent that of Earth’s. It takes longer than Earth to complete a full orbit around the sun—but it rotates around its axis at roughly the same speed. That’s why one year on Mars lasts for 687 Earth days , while a day on Mars is just 40 minutes longer than on Earth.

Despite its smaller size, the planet’s land area is also roughly equivalent to the surface area of Earth’s continents —meaning that, at least in theory, Mars has the same amount of habitable real estate. Unfortunately, the planet is now wrapped in a thin carbon dioxide atmosphere and cannot support earthly life-forms. Methane gas also periodically appears in the atmosphere of this desiccated world, and the soil contains compounds that would be toxic to life as we know it. Although water does exist on Mars, it’s locked into the planet’s icy polar caps and buried, perhaps in abundance, beneath the Martian surface .

Today, when scientists scrutinize the Martian surface, they see features that are unquestionably the work of ancient, flowing liquids : branching streams, river valleys, basins, and deltas. Those observations suggest that the planet may have once had a vast ocean covering its northern hemisphere. Elsewhere, rainstorms soaked the landscape, lakes pooled, and rivers gushed, carving troughs into the terrain. It was also likely wrapped in a thick atmosphere capable of maintaining liquid water at Martian temperatures and pressures.

Somewhere during Martian evolution, the planet went through a dramatic transformation, and a world that was once rather Earthlike became the dusty, dry husk we see today. The question now is, what happened? Where did those liquids go, and what happened to the Martian atmosphere ?

Exploring Mars helps scientists learn about momentous shifts in climate that can fundamentally alter planets. It also lets us look for biosignatures, signs that might reveal whether life was abundant in the planet’s past—and if it still exists on Mars today. And, the more we learn about Mars, the better equipped we’ll be to try to make a living there, someday in the future.

Past missions, major discoveries

Since the 1960s, humans have sent dozens of spacecraft to study Mars . Early missions were flybys, with spacecraft furiously snapping photos as they zoomed past. Later, probes pulled into orbit around Mars; more recently, landers and rovers have touched down on the surface.

But sending a spacecraft to Mars is hard , and landing on the planet is even harder. The thin Martian atmosphere makes descent tricky, and more than 60 percent of landing attempts have failed. So far, four space agencies—NASA, Russia’s Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)—have put spacecraft in Martian orbit. With eight successful landings, the United States is the only country that has operated a craft on the planet’s surface. The United Arab Emirates and China might join that club if their recently launched Hope and Tianwen-1 missions reach the red planet safely in February 2021.

Early highlights of Mars missions include NASA's Mariner 4 spacecraft , which swung by Mars in July 1965 and captured the first close-up images of this foreign world. In 1971, the Soviet space program sent the first spacecraft into Martian orbit. Called Mars 3 , it returned roughly eight months of observations about the planet's topography, atmosphere, weather, and geology. The mission also sent a lander to the surface, but it returned data for only about 20 seconds before going quiet.

This February 3, 2013, image provided by NASA shows a self portrait of the Mars rover, Curiosity. NASA's Curiosity rover has uncovered signs of an ancient freshwater lake on Mars that may have teemed with microbes for tens of millions of years, far longer than scientists had imagined, new research suggests.

Over the subsequent decades, orbiters returned far more detailed data on the planet's atmosphere and surface, and finally dispelled the notion, widely held by scientists since the late 1800s, that Martian canals were built by an alien civilization. They also revealed some truly dramatic features: the small world boasts the largest volcanoes in the solar system, and one of the largest canyons yet discovered—a chasm as long as the continental United States. Dust storms regularly sweep over its plains, and winds whip up localized dust devils.

In 1976, NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 became the first spacecraft to successfully operate on the planet’s surface, returning photos until 1982. They also conducted biological experiments on Martian soil that were designed to uncover signs of life in space—but their results were inconclusive , and scientists still disagree over how to interpret the data.

NASA’s Mars Pathfinder mission , launched in 1996, put the first free-moving rover—called Sojourner—on the planet. Its successors include the rovers Spirit and Opportunity , which explored the planet for far longer than expected and returned more than 100,000 images before dust storms obliterated their solar panels in the 2010s.

Now, two NASA spacecraft are active on the Martian surface: InSight is probing the planet’s interior and it has already revealed that “ marsquakes” routinely rattle its surface . The Curiosity rover , launched in 2012, is also still wheeling around in Gale Crater, taking otherworldly selfies, and studying the rocks and sediments deposited in the crater’s ancient lakebed.

Several spacecraft are transmitting data from orbit: NASA’s MAVEN orbiter , Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter , and Mars Odyssey ; ESA’s Mars Express and Trace Gas Orbiter ; and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission .

Together, these missions have shown scientists that Mars is an active planet that is rich in the ingredients needed for life as we know it—water, organic carbon , and an energy source. Now, the question is: Did life ever evolve on Mars , and is it still around?

Future of Mars exploration

Once every 26 months , Earth and Mars are aligned in a way that minimizes travel times and expense , enabling spacecraft to make the interplanetary journey in roughly half a year. Earth’s space agencies tend to launch probes during these conjunctions, the most recent of which happens in the summer of 2020. Three countries are sending spacecraft to Mars during this window: The United Arab Emirates, which launched its Hope spacecraft on July 20 and will orbit Mars to study its atmosphere and weather patterns; China, which launched its Tianwen-1 on July 23 , and the United States, currently targeting July 30 for the launch of its Perseverance rover .

Perseverance is a large, six-wheeled rover equipped with a suite of sophisticated instruments. Its target is Jezero Crater, site of an ancient river delta , and a likely location for ancient life-forms to have thrived. Once on the surface, Perseverance will study Martian climate and weather, test technologies that could help humans survive on Mars, and collect samples from dozens of rocks that will eventually be brought to Earth. Among its goals is helping to determine whether Mars was—or is—inhabited, making it a true life-finding Mars mission.

All of the robotic activity is, of course, laying the groundwork for sending humans to the next world over. NASA is targeting the 2030s as a reasonable timeframe for setting the first boots on Mars, and is developing a space capsule, Orion , that will be able to ferry humans to the moon and beyond.

Private spaceflight companies such as SpaceX are also getting into the Mars game. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly said that humanity must become “ a multiplanetary species ” if we are to survive, and he is working on a plan that could see a million people living on Mars before the end of this century.

Soon, in one way or another, humanity may finally know whether our neighboring planet ever hosted life—and whether there’s a future for our species on another world.

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Life on Mars: Exploration & Evidence

When imagining locations where extraterrestrial life could potentially dwell, few places inspire the imagination like one of Earth's closest neighbors. For centuries, man has looked to Mars and imagined it as a home for other beings. Over the last fifty years, various missions to the red planet have sought to determine the probability of such an evolution. But how likely is life on Mars?

A habitable environment

When searching for life, most astrobiologists agree that water is key . All forms of terrestrial life require water, and while it is possible that life could evolve without the precious liquid, it is easier to search for conditions that are known to be optimal, rather than conditions we suppose could be." [ 5 Bold Claims of Alien Life  ]

This raises a problem on Mars. The planet today is dry and barren, with most of its water locked up in the polar ice caps . The planet's thin atmosphere allows radiation from the sun to irradiate the surface of the planet, adding to the environment's challenges. Evidence for water first showed up in 2000, when images from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor found gullies that appeared to have formed from flowing water.

But Mars wasn't always a desolate wasteland . Scientists think that, in the past, water may have flowed across the surface in rivers and streams, and that vast oceans covered the planet. Over time, the water was lost into space, but early conditions on the wetter planet could have been right for life to evolve. One estimate suggests that an ancient ocean could have covered as much as 19 percent of the planet's surface, compared to the 17 percent covered by Earth's Atlantic Ocean.

"With Mars losing that much water, the planet was very likely wet for a longer period of time than was previously thought, suggesting it might have been habitable for longer," said Michael Mumma, a senior scientist at Goddard, said in a statement .

It's also possible that liquid water flows on a modern Mars, either on the surface or beneath. The debate continues today on whether features known as recurring slope lineae (RSLs) form from ongoing water flows or running sand. "We've thought of RSL as possible liquid water flows, but the slopes are more like what we expect for dry sand," Colin Dundas of the U.S. Geological Survey's Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, said in a statement . "This new understanding of RSL supports other evidence that shows that Mars today is very dry.

Water beneath the surface may be even better for life. Underground water could shield potential life from harsh radiation. There's evidence for an ice deposit the size of Lake Superior. "This deposit is probably more accessible than most water ice on Mars, because it is at a relatively low latitude and it lies in a flat, smooth area where landing a spacecraft would be easier than at some of the other areas with buried ice," researcher Jack Holt of the University of Texas said in a statement .

Over the last four billion years, Earth has received a number of visitors from Mars . Our planet has been bombarded by rocks blown from the surface of the red planet, one of the few bodies in the solar system scientists have samples from. Of the 34 Martian meteorites, scientists have determined that three have the potential to carry evidence of past life on Mars.

A meteorite found in Antarctica made headlines in 1996 when scientists claimed that it could contain evidence of traces of life on Mars. Known as ALH 84001 , the Martian rock contained structures resembled the fossilized remains of bacteria-like lifeforms. Follow-up tests revealed organic material, though the debate over whether or not the material was caused by biological processes wasn't settled until 2012, when it was determined that these vital ingredients had been formed on Mars without the involvement of life .

"Mars apparently has had organic carbon chemistry for a long time," study lead author Andrew Steele, a microbiologist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, told SPACE.com .

However, these organic molecules formed not from biology but from volcanism. Despite the rocky origin for the molecules, their organic nature may prove a positive in the hunt for life.

"We now find that Mars has organic chemistry, and on Earth, organic chemistry led to life, so what is the fate of this material on Mars, the raw material that the building blocks of life are put together from?" Steele said.

Scientists also found structures resembling fossilized nanobacteria on the Nakhla meteorite , a chunk of Mars that landed in Egypt. They determined that as much as three-fourths of the organic material found on the meteorite may not stem from contamination by Earth. However, further examination of the spherical structure, called an ovoid, revealed that it most likely formed through processes other than life.

"The consideration of possible biotic scenarios for the origin of the ovoid structure in Nakhla currently lacks any sort of compelling evidence," the scientists wrote in a study in the journal Astrobiology . "Therefore, based on the available data that we have obtained on the nature of this conspicuous ovoid structure in Nakhla, we conclude that the most reasonable explanation for its origin is that it formed through abiotic [physical, not biological] processes."

A third meteorite, the Shergotty, contains features suggestive of biofilm remnants and microbial communities.

"Biofilms provide major evidence for bacterial colonies in ancient Earth," researchers said in a 1999 conference abstract . "It is possible that some of the clusters of microfossil-like features might be colonies, although that interpretation depends on whether the individual features are truly fossilized microbes."

All of these samples provide tantalizing hints of the possibility of life in the early history of the red planet. But a fresh examination of the surface has the potential to reveal even more insights into the evolution of life on Mars.

Searching for life

When NASA set the first lander down on the Martian surface, one of the experiments performed sought traces for life. Though Viking's results were deemed inconclusive, they paved the way for other probes into the planet's environment. [ Mars Explored: Landers and Rovers Since 1971 (Infographic) ]

Exploration of Mars was put on hold for more than two decades. When examination of the planet resumed, scientists focused more on the search for habitable environments than for life, and specifically on the search for water. The slew of rovers, orbiters, and landers revealed evidence of water beneath the crust, hot springs — considered an excellent potential environment for life to evolve — and occasional rare precipitation. Although the Curiosity rover isn't a life-finding mission, there are hopes that it could pinpoint locations that later visitors might explore and analyze.

Future mission to Mars could include sample returns , bringing pieces of the Martian crust back to Earth to study. More experiments could be run by hand on Earth than can be performed by a remote robot explorer, and would be more controlled than meteorites that have lain on Earth.

"Mars 2020 will gather samples for potential return to Earth in the future. It's time for the sample-analysis community to get serious about defining and prioritizing Mars sample science, and in helping to make the case for the future missions that would get those samples home," David Beaty, co-leader of NASA's Returned Sample Science Board and chief scientist for the Mars Exploration Directorate at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, said at a 2017 workshop .

But the hunt for Martian life may be stymied by concerns over how to prevent infecting the Red Planet with Earth life. Current international policies impose heavy financial burdens that make exploring potentially habitable regions of Mars an extra challenge.

"Bottom line is that a thorough cleaning of a spacecraft aimed to in situ search for life on a special region of Mars today would easily cost around $500 million," Dirk Schulze-Makuch told SPACE.com via email. Schulze-Makuch, a researcher at Washington State University, and his colleague Alberto Fairen of Cornell University authored a commentary article published in the journal Nature Geoscience arguing for less-strict protection measures for Mars.

"With that amount of money, you can entirely finance a 'Discovery-type' mission to Mars, similar to Pathfinder or InSight," he added. "Therefore, if we'd relax planetary protection concerns in a Viking-like mission today, we could add another low-budget mission to the space program."

Are we the Martians?

The transfer of material from Mars to Earth and presumably back again has sparked some debate about the possibility of contamination early in the history of life. Some scientists argue that a meteorite from Earth could have traveled to Mars — or vice versa. Debates rage over whether or not tiny organisms would be hardy enough to survive the voyage through a freezing, airless, radiation-filled vacuum and kick off life at its new home.

The idea of such seeding is not limited to interactions with Mars. Some have proposed that debris from outside the solar system could even be responsible for spawning life on Earth. But in terms of the Red Planet, it is possible that scientists might one day find life on Mars — and it could be a close relation.

"If we find life on another planet, will it be truly alien or will it be related to us? And if so, did it spawn us or did we spawn it?" researcher Dina Pasini, of the University of Kent, questioned in a statement . "We cannot answer these questions just now, but the questions are not as farfetched as one might assume."

Follow Nola Taylor Redd at @NolaTRedd , Facebook , or Google+ . Follow us at @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

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Nola Taylor Tillman

Nola Taylor Tillman is a contributing writer for Space.com. She loves all things space and astronomy-related, and enjoys the opportunity to learn more. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Astrophysics from Agnes Scott college and served as an intern at Sky & Telescope magazine. In her free time, she homeschools her four children. Follow her on Twitter at @NolaTRedd

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Life on Mars?

It’s hard enough to identify fossilized microbes on Earth. How would we ever recognize them on Mars?

Carl Zimmer

mars_img.jpg

On August 7, 1996, reporters, photographers and television camera operators surged into NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The crowd focused not on the row of seated scientists in NASA’s auditorium but on a small, clear plastic box on the table in front of them. Inside the box was a velvet pillow, and nestled on it like a crown jewel was a rock—from Mars. The scientists announced that they’d found signs of life inside the meteorite. NASA administrator Daniel Goldin gleefully said it was an “unbelievable” day. He was more accurate than he knew.

The rock, the researchers explained, had formed 4.5 billion years ago on Mars, where it remained until 16 million years ago, when it was launched into space, probably by the impact of an asteroid. The rock wandered the inner solar system until 13,000 years ago, when it fell to Antarctica. It sat on the ice near AllanHills until 1984, when snowmobiling geologists scooped it up.

Scientists headed by David McKay of the JohnsonSpaceCenter in Houston found that the rock, called ALH84001, had a peculiar chemical makeup. It contained a combination of minerals and carbon compounds that on Earth are created by microbes. It also had crystals of magnetic iron oxide, called magnetite, which some bacteria produce. Moreover, McKay presented to the crowd an electron microscope view of the rock showing chains of globules that bore a striking resemblance to chains that some bacteria form on Earth. “We believe that these are indeed microfossils from Mars,” McKay said, adding that the evidence wasn’t “absolute proof” of past Martian life but rather “pointers in that direction.”

Among the last to speak that day was J. William Schopf, a University of California at Los Angeles paleobiologist, who specializes in early Earth fossils. “I’ll show you the oldest evidence of life on this planet,” Schopf said to the audience, and displayed a slide of a 3.465 billion-year-old fossilized chain of microscopic globules that he had found in Australia. “These are demonstrably fossils,” Schopf said, implying that NASA’s Martian pictures were not. He closed by quoting the astronomer Carl Sagan: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

Despite Schopf’s note of skepticism, the NASA announcement was trumpeted worldwide. “Mars lived, rock shows Meteorite holds evidence of life on another world,” said the New York Times. “Fossil from the red planet may prove that we are not alone,” declared The Independent of London .

Over the past nine years, scientists have taken Sagan’s words very much to heart. They’ve scrutinized the Martian meteorite (which is now on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History), and today few believe that it harbored Martian microbes.

The controversy has prompted scientists to ask how they can know whether some blob, crystal or chemical oddity is a sign of life—even on Earth. Adebate has flared up over some of the oldest evidence for life on Earth, including the fossils that Schopf proudly displayed in 1996. Major questions are at stake in this debate, including how life first evolved on Earth. Some scientists propose that for the first few hundred million years that life existed, it bore little resemblance to life as we know it today.

NASA researchers are taking lessons from the debate about life on Earth to Mars. If all goes as planned, a new generation of rovers will arrive on Mars within the next decade. These missions will incorporate cutting-edge biotechnology designed to detect individual molecules made by Martian organisms, either living or long dead.

The search for life on Mars has become more urgent thanks in part to probes by the two rovers now roaming Mars’ surface and another spaceship that is orbiting the planet. In recent months, they’ve made a series of astonishing discoveries that, once again, tempt scientists to believe that Mars harbors life—or did so in the past. At a February conference in the Netherlands, an audience of Mars experts was surveyed about Martian life. Some 75 percent of the scientists said they thought life once existed there, and of them, 25 percent think that Mars harbors life today.

The search for the fossil remains of primitive single- celled organisms like bacteria took off in 1953, when Stanley Tyler, an economic geologist at the University of Wisconsin, puzzled over some 2.1 billion-year-old rocks he’d gathered in Ontario, Canada. His glassy black rocks known as cherts were loaded with strange, microscopic filaments and hollow balls. Working with Harvard paleobotonist Elso Barghoorn, Tyler proposed that the shapes were actually fossils, left behind by ancient life-forms such as algae. Before Tyler and Barghoorn’s work, few fossils had been found that predated the Cambrian Period, which began about 540 million years ago. Now the two scientists were positing that life was present much earlier in the 4.55 billion-year history of our planet. How much further back it went remained for later scientists to discover.

In the next decades, paleontologists in Africa found 3 billion- year-old fossil traces of microscopic bacteria that had lived in massive marine reefs. Bacteria can also form what are called biofilms, colonies that grow in thin layers over surfaces such as rocks and the ocean floor, and scientists have found solid evidence for biofilms dating back 3.2 billion years.

But at the time of the NASA press conference, the oldest fossil claim belonged to UCLA’s William Schopf, the man who spoke skeptically about NASA’s finds at the same conference. During the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Schopf had become a leading expert on early life-forms, discovering fossils around the world, including 3 billion-year-old fossilized bacteria in South Africa. Then, in 1987, he and some colleagues reported that they had found the 3.465 billion-yearold microscopic fossils at a site called Warrawoona in the Western Australia outback—the ones he would display at the NASA press conference. The bacteria in the fossils were so sophisticated, Schopf says, that they indicate “life was flourishing at that time, and thus, life originated appreciably earlier than 3.5 billion years ago.”

Since then, scientists have developed other methods for detecting signs of early life on Earth. One involves measuring different isotopes, or atomic forms, of carbon; the ratio of the isotopes indicates that the carbon was once part of a living thing. In 1996, a team of researchers reported that they had found life’s signature in rocks from Greenland dating back 3.83 billion years.

The signs of life in Australia and Greenland were remarkably old, especially considering that life probably could not have persisted on Earth for the planet’s first few hundreds of millions of years. That’s because asteroids were bombarding it, boiling the oceans and likely sterilizing the planet’s surface before about 3.8 billion years ago. The fossil evidence suggested that life emerged soon after our world cooled down. As Schopf wrote in his book Cradle of Life, his 1987 discovery “tells us that early evolution proceeded very far very fast.”

A quick start to life on Earth could mean that life could also emerge quickly on other worlds—either Earth-like planets circling other stars, or perhaps even other planets or moons in our own solar system. Of these, Mars has long looked the most promising.

The surface of Mars today doesn’t seem like the sort of place hospitable to life. It is dry and cold, plunging down as far as -220 degrees Fahrenheit. Its thin atmosphere cannot block ultraviolet radiation from space, which would devastate any known living thing on the surface of the planet. But Mars, which is as old as Earth, might have been more hospitable in the past. The gullies and dry lake beds that mark the planet indicate that water once flowed there. There’s also reason to believe, astronomers say, that Mars’ early atmosphere was rich enough in heat-trapping carbon dioxide to create a greenhouse effect, warming the surface. In other words, early Mars was a lot like early Earth. If Mars had been warm and wet for millions or even billions of years, life might have had enough time to emerge. When conditions on the surface of Mars turned nasty, life may have become extinct there. But fossils may have been left behind. It’s even possible that life could have survived on Mars below the surface, judging from some microbes on Earth that thrive miles underground.

When Nasa’s Mckay presented his pictures of Martian fossils to the press that day in 1996, one of the millions of people who saw them on television was a young British environmental microbiologist named Andrew Steele. He had just earned a PhD at the University of Portsmouth, where he was studying bacterial biofilms that can absorb radioactivity from contaminated steel in nuclear facilities. An expert at microscopic images of microbes, Steele got McKay’s telephone number from directory assistance and called him. “I can get you a better picture than that,” he said, and convinced McKay to send him pieces of the meteorite. Steele’s analyses were so good that soon he was working for NASA.

Ironically, though, his work undercut NASA’s evidence: Steele discovered that Earthly bacteria had contaminated the Mars meteorite. Biofilms had formed and spread through cracks into its interior. Steele’s results didn’t disprove the Martian fossils outright—it’s possible that the meteorite contains both Martian fossils and Antarctic contaminants— but, he says, “The problem is, how do you tell the difference?” At the same time, other scientists pointed out that nonliving processes on Mars also could have created the globules and magnetite clumps that NASA scientists had held up as fossil evidence.

But McKay stands by the hypothesis that his microfossils are from Mars, saying it is “consistent as a package with a possible biological origin.” Any alternative explanation must account for all of the evidence, he says, not just one piece at a time.

The controversy has raised a profound question in the minds of many scientists: What does it take to prove the presence of life billions of years ago? in 2000, oxford paleontologistMartin Brasier borrowed the original Warrawoona fossils from the NaturalHistoryMuseum in London, and he and Steele and their colleagues have studied the chemistry and structure of the rocks. In 2002, they concluded that it was impossible to say whether the fossils were real, essentially subjecting Schopf’s work to the same skepticism that Schopf had expressed about the fossils from Mars. “The irony was not lost on me,” says Steele.

In particular, Schopf had proposed that his fossils were photosynthetic bacteria that captured sunlight in a shallow lagoon. But Brasier and Steele and co-workers concluded that the rocks had formed in hot water loaded with metals, perhaps around a superheated vent at the bottom of the ocean—hardly the sort of place where a sun-loving microbe could thrive. And microscopic analysis of the rock, Steele says, was ambiguous, as he demonstrated one day in his lab by popping a slide from the Warrawoona chert under a microscope rigged to his computer. “What are we looking at there?” he asks, picking a squiggle at random on his screen. “Some ancient dirt that’s been caught in a rock? Are we looking at life? Maybe, maybe. You can see how easily you can fool yourself. There’s nothing to say that bacteria can’t live in this, but there’s nothing to say that you are looking at bacteria.”

Schopf has responded to Steele’s criticism with new research of his own. Analyzing his samples further, he found that they were made of a form of carbon known as kerogen, which would be expected in the remains of bacteria. Of his critics, Schopf says, “they would like to keep the debate alive, but the evidence is overwhelming.”

The disagreement is typical of the fast-moving field. Geologist Christopher Fedo of George Washington University and geochronologist Martin Whitehouse of the Swedish Museum of Natural History have challenged the 3.83 billionyear- old molecular trace of light carbon from Greenland, saying the rock had formed from volcanic lava, which is much too hot for microbes to withstand. Other recent claims also are under assault. Ayear ago, a team of scientists made headlines with their report of tiny tunnels in 3.5 billion-year-old African rocks. The scientists argued that the tunnels were made by ancient bacteria around the time the rock formed. But Steele points out that bacteria might have dug those tunnels billions of years later. “If you dated the London Underground that way,” says Steele, “you’d say it was 50 million years old, because that’s how old the rocks are around it.”

Such debates may seem indecorous, but most scientists are happy to see them unfold. “What this will do is get a lot of people to roll up their sleeves and look for more stuff,” says MIT geologist John Grotzinger. To be sure, the debates are about subtleties in the fossil record, not about the existence of microbes long, long ago. Even a skeptic like Steele remains fairly confident that microbial biofilms lived 3.2 billion years ago. “You can’t miss them,” Steele says of their distinctive weblike filaments visible under a microscope. And not even critics have challenged the latest from Minik Rosing, of the University of Copenhagen’s Geological Museum, who has found the carbon isotope life signature in a sample of 3.7 billion-year-old rock from Greenland—the oldest undisputed evidence of life on Earth.

At stake in these debates is not just the timing of life’s early evolution, but the path it took. This past September, for example, Michael Tice and Donald Lowe of StanfordUniversity reported on 3.416 billion-year-old mats of microbes preserved in rocks from South Africa. The microbes, they say, carried out photosynthesis but didn’t produce oxygen in the process. A small number of bacterial species today do the same—anoxygenic photosynthesis it’s called—and Tice and Lowe suggest that such microbes, rather than the conventionally photosynthetic ones studied by Schopf and others, flourished during the early evolution of life. Figuring out life’s early chapters will tell scientists not only a great deal about the history of our planet. It will also guide their search for signs of life elsewhere in the universe—starting with Mars.

In January 2004, the NASA rovers Spirit and Opportunity began rolling across the Martian landscape. Within a few weeks, Opportunity had found the best evidence yet that water once flowed on the planet’s surface. The chemistry of rock it sampled from a plain called Meridiani Planum indicated that it had formed billions of years ago in a shallow, long-vanished sea. One of the most important results of the rover mission, says Grotzinger, a member of the rover science team, was the robot’s observation that rocks on Meridiani Planum don’t seem to have been crushed or cooked to the degree that Earth rocks of the same age have been— their crystal structure and layering remain intact. A paleontologist couldn’t ask for a better place to preserve a fossil for billions of years.

The past year has brought a flurry of tantalizing reports. An orbiting probe and ground-based telescopes detected methane in the atmosphere of Mars. On Earth, microbes produce copious amounts of methane, although it can also be produced by volcanic activity or chemical reactions in the planet’s crust. In February, reports raced through the media about a NASA study allegedly concluding that the Martian methane might have been produced by underground microbes. NASA headquarters quickly swooped in—perhaps worried about a repeat of the media frenzy surrounding the Martian meteorite—and declared that it had no direct data supporting claims for life on Mars.

But just a few days later, European scientists announced that they had detected formaldehyde in the Martian atmosphere, another compound that, on Earth, is produced by living things. Shortly thereafter, researchers at the European Space Agency released images of the Elysium Plains, a region along Mars’ equator. The texture of the landscape, they argued, shows that the area was a frozen ocean just a few million years ago—not long, in geological time. Afrozen sea may still be there today, buried under a layer of volcanic dust. While water has yet to be found on Mars’ surface, some researchers studying Martian gullies say that the features may have been produced by underground aquifers, suggesting that water, and the life-forms that require water, might be hidden below the surface.

Andrew Steele is one of the scientists designing the next generation of equipment to probe for life on Mars. One tool he plans to export to Mars is called a microarray, a glass slide onto which different antibodies are attached. Each antibody recognizes and latches onto a specific molecule, and each dot of a particular antibody has been rigged to glow when it finds its molecular partner. Steele has preliminary evidence that the microarray can recognize fossil hopanes, molecules found in the cell walls of bacteria, in the remains of a 25 million- year-old biofilm.

This past September, Steele and his colleagues traveled to the rugged Arctic island of Svalbard, where they tested the tool in the area’s extreme environment as a prelude to deploying it on Mars. As armed Norwegian guards kept a lookout for polar bears, the scientists spent hours sitting on chilly rocks, analyzing fragments of stone. The trip was a success: the microarray antibodies detected proteins made by hardy bacteria in the rock samples, and the scientists avoided becoming food for the bears.

Steele is also working on a device called MASSE (Modular Assays for Solar System Exploration), which is tentatively slated to fly on a 2011 European Space Agency expedition to Mars. He envisions the rover crushing rocks into powder, which can be placed into MASSE, which will analyze the molecules with a microarray, searching for biological molecules.

Sooner, in 2009, NASA will launch the Mars Science Laboratory Rover. It’s designed to inspect the surface of rocks for peculiar textures left by biofilms. The Mars lab may also look for amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, or other organic compounds. Finding such compounds wouldn’t prove the existence of life on Mars, but it would bolster the case for it and spur NASA scientists to look more closely.

Difficult as the Mars analyses will be, they’re made even more complex by the threat of contamination. Mars has been visited by nine spacecraft, from Mars 2, a Soviet probe that crashed into the planet in 1971, to NASA’s Opportunity and Spirit. Any one of them might have carried hitchhiking Earth microbes. “It might be that they crash-landed and liked it there, and then the wind could blow them all over the place,” says Jan Toporski, a geologist at the University of Kiel, in Germany. And the same interplanetary game of bumper cars that hurtled a piece of Mars to Earth might have showered pieces of Earth on Mars. If one of those terrestrial rocks was contaminated with microbes, the organisms might have survived on Mars—for a time, at least—and left traces in the geology there. Still, scientists are confident they can develop tools to distinguish between imported Earth microbes and Martian ones.

Finding signs of life on Mars is by no means the only goal. “If you find a habitable environment and don’t find it inhabited, then that tells you something,” says Steele. “If there is no life, then why is there no life? The answer leads to more questions.” The first would be what makes life-abounding Earth so special. In the end, the effort being poured into detecting primitive life on Mars may prove its greatest worth right here at home.

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Life on Mars: an Exploration of The Possibility and Implications

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Introduction, evidence for life on mars, implications of life on mars, the history of mars exploration and discoveries, the evidence for the existence of life on mars, the impact of discovering life on mars on science and technology, the impact of discovering life on mars on society and culture.

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NASA's Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image of the area in front of it using its onboard Front Right Hazard Avoidance Camera A.

Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the Universe, and searching for life on Mars is a major goal of the Mars 2020 mission. While humans have long wondered whether there are others like us, it’s only been a few decades since we’ve developed the technologies to search for life beyond Earth in earnest. With space-based telescopes like James Webb , astronomers look up for planetary-scale chemical signs of life on exoplanets; with ground-based radio astronomy , astrophysicists listen for signals or communications transmitted by intelligent species from galaxies faraway; and with landed missions to Mars and other Solar System bodies, planetary scientists and geologists look down for physical and chemical signs of life preserved in rock and ice. Finding extraterrestrial life is a central aspect of astrobiology, but finding no life on a once-habitably rocky planet like Mars would be equally important, because it would help us look back into our own origins to query what makes Earth biologically unique, and would also help us prepare to search for life elsewhere.

Jezero Crater was selected as the Mars 2020 landing site because of its astrobiological potential. Billions of years ago it hosted a lake , back when Mars was warm and wet, more hospitable and Earth-like. Water is essential for life as we know it, and sedimentary rocks that form through aqueous activity can be excellent physical preservers of biological materials. Perseverance has also found evidence for igneous minerals, and these lithologies can be important for life as well: on Earth, volcanic rocks provide energy-rich substrates for microbes to feed upon and inhabit. If ancient life existed in or around Jezero, fossilized remnants of those ancient organisms could still remain as morphological, elemental, or molecular biosignatures preserved in rock today. To aid in this search, Perseverance carries a suite of on-board instruments to select astrobiologically-interesting samples to send back to Earth. 23 cores have been collected thus far! Robotic rover tools can reveal a lot about potential for habitability, but returning physical samples is absolutely critical for determining whether these rocks do contain evidence of life. For example, billion-year-old cells and fossilized biomolecules preserved in geologic samples on Earth are studied with large, complex analytical instruments housed in laboratories. Returning cores from Jezero will allow scientists to apply the same techniques to extraterrestrial samples too! Regardless of what we find, searching for life in these little Martian rocks represents an astronomical leap towards determining whether there was life on Mars, which will in turn give us a better understanding of who we are, where we came from, and where we’re going.

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These blog updates are provided by self-selected Mars 2020 mission team members who love to share what Perseverance is doing with the public.

Dates of planned rover activities described in these blogs are subject to change due to a variety of factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays and rover status.

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Contributors +

  • Mariah Baker Planetary Scientist, Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Washington, DC
  • Matthew Brand SuperCam/ChemCam Engineer, Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos National Laboratory
  • Sawyer Brooks Docking Systems Engineer, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Adrian Brown Deputy Program Scientist, NASA HQ Washington, DC
  • Denise Buckner Student Collaborator, University of Florida Gainesville, FL
  • Fred Calef III Mapping Specialist, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Stephanie Connell SuperCam, PhD Student, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
  • Alyssa Deardorff Systems Engineer, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Kenneth Farley Project Scientist, Caltech Pasadena, CA
  • Phylindia Gant Mars 2020 Student Collaborator, University of Florida Gainesville, FL
  • Brad Garczynski Student Collaborator, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
  • Erin Gibbons Student Collaborator, McGill University Montreal, Canada
  • Michael Hecht Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) Principal Investigator, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Westford, MA
  • Louise Jandura Chief Engineer for Sampling & Caching, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Elisha Jhoti Ph.D. Student, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
  • Bavani Kathir Student Collaborator on Mastcam-Z, Western Washington University
  • Lydia Kivrak Student Collaborator, University of Florida Gainesville, FL
  • Athanasios Klidaras Ph.D. Student, Purdue University
  • Rachel Kronyak Systems Engineer, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Steven Lee Perseverance Deputy Project Manager, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • An Li Student Collaborator on PIXL, University of Washington
  • Justin Maki Imaging Scientist and Mastcam-Z Deputy Principal Investigator, NASA/JPL
  • Forrest Meyen MOXIE Science Team Member, Lunar Outpost
  • Sarah Milkovich Assistant Science Manager, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Eleanor Moreland Ph.D. Student, Rice University Houston, Texas
  • Asier Munguira Ph.D. Student, University of the Basque Country
  • Matt Muszynski Vehicle Systems Engineer, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Claire Newman Atmospheric Scientist, Aeolis Research Altadena, CA
  • Avi Okon Sampling Operations Deputy Lead, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Pegah Pashai Vehicle Systems Engineer Lead, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • David Pedersen Co-Investigator, PIXL Instrument, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Eleni Ravanis Student Collaborator, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu, HI
  • Thirupathi Srinivasan Robotic Systems Engineer, NASA/JPL
  • Kathryn Stack Deputy Project Scientist, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Vivian Sun Science Operations Systems Engineer, Staff Scientist, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Iona (Brockie) Tirona Sampling Engineer, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Jennifer Trosper Project Manager, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Vandi Verma Chief Engineer for Robotic Operations, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Rick Welch Deputy Project Manager, NASA/JPL Pasadena, CA
  • Roger Wiens Principal Investigator, SuperCam / Co-Investigator, SHERLOC instrument, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN

Tools on the Perseverance Rover +

The Perseverance rover has tools to study the history of its landing site, seek signs of ancient life, collect rock and soil samples, and help prepare for human exploration of Mars. The rover carries:

  • PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry)
  • SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals)
  • RIMFAX (Radar Imager for Mars' Subsurface Experiment)
  • MEDA (Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer)
  • MOXIE (Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment)
  • Coring Drill
  • Sample Handling System

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Image of a rover pin-point at Perseverance's location on Mars, Jezero Crater

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Image taken by Perseverance with rover tracks on Mars

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Essay on Life on Mars

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Things to Know About Mars!

Mars, in the solar system, is the fourth planet from the sun. This planet is the second smallest planet in our entire solar system. The possibility of life on mars has aroused the interest of our scientists, now for many years. A reason for this curiosity is the similarity and for the proximity of the planet to the Earth. Mars, of course, gives some indications of the possibility of life existing on this planet.

In our essay, we will detail the possibility of life on this planet, Mars.

Scientists and researchers have spent their years researching for evidence or any trace of life on the Red Planet, Mars. All these researches till now indicated that there is no previous trace of life on this planet. But the evidence of some elements like the frozen water, the liquid water, which traces the past, and the methane in the atmosphere of Mars have provided some lead in the research to find the existence of life on this Red deserted planet, Mars.

If I ever get a chance to go to Mars and have a life there, then I would definitely explore around. I would only wish that the planet changes its conditions to make itself fit for humans to live and survive. Also, this gives an insight for us. Humans should learn not to further pollute another planet the way they have polluted Earth.

Bio Signatures

Some research data from Mars Global Surveyor indicates that liquid water may exist just below the surface in rare places on Mars. Water ice is present at the Martian poles, and these areas will be good zones to search for proof of the existence of life as well. Spach and Research Organizations will also look for life on Mars by searching for indicative markers, or biosignatures, of current and past life. The element carbon is an essential building block of life and comprehending where carbon is present and in what form would explain a lot about the type of existence that Mars had or has.

Most of the current Martian atmosphere consists of carbon dioxide and if carbonate minerals were created on Mars' surface by chemical reactions between water and the atmosphere, the existence of these minerals would be a giant clue that water had been present for a long time. One of the top needed explorations for Mars is the understanding of its present climate. Its climate is like in the distant past that drives climate change over time.

Biosignatures are the morphological, chemical which is organic, elemental, or mineral, and the isotopic traces of the organisms that are preserved in minerals, sediments, and rocks. They represent the physical presence of the organisms as well as the proof of their metabolic activities and their metabolites. A biosignature is also called a chemical or molecular fossil and is any given substance – such as an element, isotope, molecule, or phenomenon – that supplies scientific evidence of past or present life.

Measurable features of life contain the complex physical structures and chemical structures and also the utilisation of free energy and the production of biomass and wastes. It has unique characteristics, a biosignature can be interpreted as having been created by living organisms. However, it is important that they not be considered absolute because there is no way of knowing in advance which ones are omnipresent to life and which ones are personal to the strange occasions of life on Earth.

In conclusion, scientists are still spending time to find evidence of life on Mars. The presence of frozen water, liquid water, and methane in the atmosphere has given some hope that some day life may exist there. There are quite many theories and fiction that are connected to the solar system’s fourth planet, Mars. Other controversies that are connected with life on Mars have come up in the late 20th and the 21st century. The possibility of life which is already existing on Mars or in the future that the humans inhabiting Mars is an excellent topic to discuss. One can find all the relevant material on Vedantu’s Site. You can refer to it for exams or for gaining general knowledge. You can also download PDFs and read it at your dispersal. 

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FAQs on Essay on Life on Mars

1. What are the Challenges to Life on Mars?

All animals and plants cannot survive on Mars in extremely harsh weather conditions. The other major problem is the gravity of Mars. The gravity is 38% to that of Earth, low gravity can cause health problems. Another problem is, the temperature of Mars is much cooler than Earth. 

The sun in our solar system and different stars are fusion reactors that spew great amounts of electromagnetic energy, including X-ray and ultraviolet radiation. The sun and other intensively energetic objects like the centre of galaxies, also emit high-energy protons, atomic nuclei, and other particles that can induce radiation illness, adversely influence one's central nervous system, increase one’s lifetime risk for cancer and cause degenerative diseases. One of the most important characteristics a planet needs to sustain human life is the atmosphere. On Mars, there exists a very thin one that clings to Mars and it’s made up of all the wrong gases for humans. Mars' atmosphere looks like-

Primarily composed of carbon dioxide (95.3% compared to less than 1% on Earth).

Scarcely any oxygen (0.13% compared to 21% on Earth)

Little nitrogen (2.7% compared to 78% on Earth)

2. Does Mars have Oxygen?

Mars has oxygen which is only 0.13% of the atmosphere, which is compared to 21% of the Earth's atmosphere. The MOXIE system is responsible for producing oxygen like a tree, pulling in the Martian air with a pump, and using an electrochemical process to separate a single oxygen atom from another molecule of carbon dioxide. Mars' atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, and it has hints of oxygen, water, etc along with a lot of dust. Dust turning in the air colours Mars’ sky tan in photos when taken from the surface. The density of the oxygen on Mars is approximately 1/10,000th of what Earth experiences. Mars' atmosphere does have a lot of carbon dioxide as it has about 500 times more CO 2 than oxygen. If one wants to harvest oxygen on Mars for use by future adventurers or launch systems, a better way might be to remove some of it out of the CO 2 and use that instead. That's where MOXIE technology plays a role.

3. What are we looking out for from Mars missions?

Life needs water on Earth to survive. If life had ever developed on Mars, it did so in the existence of a long-standing supply of water on the planet. On Mars, the search for evidence of life in areas is running where liquid water was once stable, and beneath the surface where it still might exist today. There might also be some current hot spots on Mars where hydrothermal pools furnish places for life. 

4. What does the climate look like on Mars?

The current Martian climate is controlled by seasonal transformations of the carbon dioxide ice caps and the direction of large amounts of dust by the atmosphere. The exchange of water vapour between the surface and the atmosphere also plays a crucial role in deciding the climate of that planet. One of the most involved weather patterns on Mars is the generation of dust storms that typically occur in the southbound and summer. These storms can grow to enclose the whole planet. Humans still don't understand how these storms develop and grow but this is one goal of future climatic studies.

A better understanding of Mars' current climate will assist the scientists in more effectively modelling its past climatic behaviour. Humans are working towards the detailed weather maps of Mars and information about how much dust and water vapour are present in its atmosphere.

Observing the planet for this information over 1 full Martian year which is 687 Earth days, will help to understand how Mars behaves over its seasonal cycle and navigate us toward comprehending how the planet changes over millions of years.

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Essay On Life On Mars for Students and Children

If life could evolve in any other planet apart from Earth, it has to be Mars. After Earth, the only planet in the solar system that is the most hospitable for living beings is Mars. In fact, it is so hospitable that it may once have been home to primitive bacteria-like life.

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Essay About Life On Mars In English

Essay about Life On Mars

Mars is the fourth planet of our solar system, the first three being Mercury, Venus and Earth. It is also the second smallest planet in the solar system. Scientists have long been researching on the possibility of life on this planet and the major interest behind this planet is due to its proximity with Earth. There are certainly few indications that say that there could be life on Mars.

Have you been asked to write an essay on life on Mars? If answered yes, you need not worry about the points that you need to cover as we are here to help you with few of the most important ones.

Is there already life on Mars?

Even though the researchers and scientists have still not discovered life on Mars but there is a strong possibility that they will one day make this planet a favorable place for humans.

The main reason behind this is the presence of water and oxygen in the form of snow. Both these things could play a pivotal role in vouching for the presence of life on Mars.

Over the past few decades, there have been several satellites and spacecraft that have been sent to work for gathering information and details on the surface of Mars. The data that has been collected by the astronauts till date are still not sufficient to prove whether or not life on Mars actually exists.

Life on Mars – What are the possibilities?

Previously, Mars was a planet that looked pretty similar to the Earth. In fact, billions of years back, there were similarities between Earth and Mars.

Scientists also believed that Mars was once home to a huge ocean. Experts believe that this ocean covered majority of the surface of Mars as compared to the oceans that are present on Earth.

Moreover, it was also seen that Mars was warmer during the past days than what it is at present. This is one of the most noteworthy facts that both water and warm temperature are the biggest requirements for life to exist on Mars. Hence, scientists are of the opinion that there is high probability of having life on Mars.

As long as our planet is concerned, life can exist on Earth even in the toughest circumstances. On Earth, life exists in the oddest places like the dry and hot deserts and extremely cold places like the Antarctica continent. The resilience of life gives you enough hope of life on Mars.

Moreover, did you know that there are few ingredients for life that existed on Mars? The past and current life markers are referred to as bio-signatures. Scientists are trying hard to reach out to the surface for them.

There are certain promising leads that have evolved with time as well. One of them is the proof of the presence of methane in the atmosphere of Mars. Hence, there is an automatic possibility of the existence of microbes deep below the surface of the planet.

Another vital point to take into account is that the surface of Mars hasn’t gone through a single scratch. However, due to the fact that the scientists have taken small pinches of soil from the surface of Mars, there are just a couple of inches of scratching that might have occurred.

As the techniques used to detect signs of life on Mars might have been faulty, the results might have failed time and again. How about the possibility of having a ‘refugee life’ deep within the surface of the planet?

Any proof of life on Mars?

Yes, there have been several confirmations of magnetic fields and water that protects Mars. The scientists also believe that water exists on Mars but it can end up being salty due to the atmosphere and topography. After all this, it is believed that the planet has weather conditions that may support existence of living beings.

The atmosphere on Mars is mostly made up of carbon dioxide. The air is hundred times thinner than what you have on Earth.

So, it could get difficult for human beings to breathe on Mars without wearing a spacesuit that’s filled with oxygen. On the other hand, animals and plants might not survive on this planet due to the gravity of the planet, which is 38% of that of the Earth.

What challenges can life face on Mars?

All animals and planets can’t survive the conditions that are there on the planet Mars and this is mainly because of the harsh conditions that you find on Mars.

One more major issue is the gravity of Mars, which is 38% of that of the Earth. Due to low gravity, humans may have to face health issues like demineralization of bones and muscle loss.

The climate of Mars has one more noteworthy problem and that is the temperature which is much colder than on Earth. The mean surface temperature of Mars is between -87 degree and -5 degree Celsius whereas the coldest temperature on Earth in Antarctica is -89.2 degree Celcius.

There is scarcity of water in Mars and water discovered on this planet is even than what is there on the driest desert on Earth.

Few other challenges may include excessive penetration of solar radiation due to the absence of ozone layer. Moreover, there are global dust storms that often occur on the planet. The soil is also toxic because of the high concentration of chlorine.

To conclude, Mars is a topic that has generated enough curiosity among the experts and scientists. Although establishing life includes lots of challenges, yet that doesn’t mean that we’ll lose hope. Humans have to make serious efforts for making sure they can actually establish life on Mars.

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Essay on Life On Mars

Students are often asked to write an essay on Life On Mars in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Life On Mars

Introduction.

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. It is also our neighbor in space. For a long time, scientists have been curious to know if life exists on Mars.

What is Mars Like?

Mars is a cold, dry, and rocky planet. It has mountains, valleys, and deserts, much like Earth. But, Mars has no liquid water on its surface, which is crucial for life.

Searching for Life

Scientists use rovers and satellites to explore Mars. These machines look for signs of past or present life. They also study the soil, rocks, and atmosphere of Mars.

Can Humans Live on Mars?

Living on Mars would be hard for humans. The air is thin and cold, and there’s no food or water. But, scientists are studying ways to make Mars more livable in the future.

So, is there life on Mars? We don’t know yet. But, the search for life on Mars continues. It’s a fascinating topic that sparks our imagination and curiosity about the universe.

250 Words Essay on Life On Mars

Is there life on mars.

The idea of life on Mars has always been a topic of interest. Mars is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system. It is often called the “Red Planet” because of its reddish appearance.

Mars has similarities with Earth which makes scientists think that life could exist there. It has seasons, polar ice caps and weather. It also has signs of water, which is vital for life.

Signs of Life

Scientists have found signs of ancient rivers, lakes, and possibly even an ocean. This suggests that Mars may have once had conditions suitable for life. They have also found chemicals in the Martian soil that are needed for life.

Scientists use rovers to search for signs of life on Mars. These rovers can take pictures, dig into the soil, and perform experiments. They are looking for signs of past or present life.

Future of Life on Mars

Many space agencies plan to send humans to Mars in the future. These missions will help us learn more about the planet and possibly find evidence of life.

In conclusion, the question of life on Mars is still unanswered. But with ongoing research and future missions, we may soon find the answer. The discovery of life on Mars would be a major breakthrough. It would change our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

500 Words Essay on Life On Mars

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, has always been a topic of interest for scientists and space lovers. This red planet, named after the Roman god of war, is often seen as a potential place for life outside Earth.

What Makes Mars Special?

Mars is special because it shares some similarities with Earth. It has a day and night cycle nearly the same as Earth, with a day on Mars being just over 24 hours. Mars also has seasons like Earth, due to the tilt of its axis. It’s these similarities that make scientists think that Mars could, in theory, support life.

Searching for Signs of Life

Scientists have been looking for signs of life on Mars for many years. They use space probes and rovers, like the famous Mars Rover, to explore the Martian surface. They are looking for signs of water, as life as we know it needs water to survive. Recent discoveries have shown that there was once liquid water on Mars, and there is still ice today. This is a promising sign for the possibility of life.

Could Humans Live on Mars?

The idea of humans living on Mars may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s something that scientists are seriously considering. Living on Mars would be tough. The atmosphere is very thin, so we would need to wear space suits all the time. The temperature is also much colder than on Earth. Despite these challenges, scientists are researching ways to make Mars more habitable for humans. This includes ideas like building habitats that can protect us from the harsh Martian environment and finding ways to grow food on Mars.

Future of Mars Exploration

The future of Mars exploration looks exciting. NASA plans to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. SpaceX, a private space company, also has plans to send people to Mars. These missions will help us learn more about Mars and could be the first steps towards establishing a human colony on the red planet.

While we still have a lot to learn about Mars, the possibility of life on this red planet is an exciting prospect. Whether it’s finding microscopic life forms or establishing human colonies, the exploration of Mars will continue to be a key focus for scientists in the future. The question, “Is there life on Mars?” is still open, and the answer could change our understanding of life in the universe.

(Word count: 400)

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Essay on Life on Mars

List of essays on life on mars in english, essay on life on mars – essay 1 (150 words), essay on life on mars: with conclusion – essay 2 (250 words), essay on life on mars: future and past instances – essay 3 (300 words), essay on life on mars – essay 4 (400 words), essay on life on mars: popular expeditions – essay 5 (500 words), essay on life on mars: finding, future and conclusion – essay 6 (600 words), essay on life on mars: studies, experiments and missions – essay 7 (750 words), essay on life on mars: introduction, facts and investigations – essay 8 (1000 words).

Life on Mars is yet a matter of research for scientists. Mars is also known as the Red Planet and is right next to earth in the solar system. Surprisingly, images and evidence gathered in the past few years, confirm the existence of oxygen and water on the planet.

Even if, there is no life on Mars until now, scientists strongly hope for the possibility of it. The reason is the presence of oxygen and water in the form of snow. Both of these factors could play an essential role in the likelihood of life on Mars.

Over the decades, all kinds of spacecraft and satellites have been put to work for collecting as much information about life on Mars as possible. So far, whatever has been known to us, is not enough to give any solid conclusion about whether life on Mars has ever existed or not.

Introduction:

How will life on Mars be? If there was life on Mars, would it be possible for humans to live on it? These questions have aroused the curiosity of many. Therefore, it would only be proper to understand what Mars is all about.

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun and the second smallest after Mercury in the solar system. It is popularly referred to as the red planet. Let us now consider the intricate details of this planet.

Proof of Life on Mars:

There have been confirmations of water and magnetic fields previously protecting the planet. Other scientists believe that water stills exist on Mars but because of its topography and atmosphere it would be salty. As a result, it is believed that the planet Mars has the environmental conditions necessary to support life.

The atmosphere of air on Mars is mostly carbon dioxide. Also, air on the planet is a hundred times thinner than that on planet earth. Hence, it would be difficult for humans to breathe on Mars without a spacesuit filled with oxygen. Plants and animals can’t seem to survive on Mars due to the planet’s gravity which is 38% of Earth.

Exploration of Mars:

In spite of all our curiosities, no one has actually been able to venture into the planet. In the early ’70s, for the first time, mechanical objects were sent on an explorative mission to check for life on Mars. Two robots, known as Viking 1 and Viking 2 were sent to the planet to observe and gather intelligence. They lasted for 6 and 4 years respectively. Robots expeditions have continued till recent times and have grown to include orbiters, landers, and rovers.

Conclusion:

The possibility of life on Mars, till date, has continually captured the attention and interests of both scientists and non-scientists. Whether fantasy or not, it is the wish of many that one day man will be able to step on Mars comfortably.

Life on Mars is one of the debatable subjects that come up every now and then. Scientists are working day in and day out to confirm the presence of life on Mars; however, there is no concrete proof as of now. There are a lot of people who believe that there is a presence of intelligent life on Mars but all we can do is waiting till the rumours are turned true.

The Future:

If we happen to detect life on Mars, it will open up a world of new possibilities. Along with finding out what kind of life exists in Mars and the kind of atmosphere which is present, there are plenty of other things which will have to be examined as well.

The space is full of so many puzzling stories and it is imperative to pay heed to the specifics. Until and unless, the scientists manage to find concrete proof that life on Mars is not just an imaginary concept but a reality, things really can’t materialize a great deal.

The Past Instances:

There have been a few instances wherein some scientists have claimed that they spotted life on Mars. Of course, the precise signs can vary and when asked, they couldn’t come up with a concrete proof. It very much boils down to your belief and imagination. But given the massive size of the space and how endless it truly is, it surely is likely that there is intelligent life out there.

Whether we find life on Mars or on some other planet inside our galaxy or outside is a question which is put to debate. We truly need to wait for the scientists to come up with the best results.

The bottom-line remains the fact that if aliens exist they might also be in the quest to find someone like them. Life on Mars definitely sounds a very interesting topic to dig further on.

Life on Mars is one of the mysteries that all the scientists in our world have been researching for over decades. The existence of life on Mars or probably its possibility is being discussed and the studies are yet to go through a long way before a conclusion.

Mars is the red planet, closest to earth and the fourth among our planets in the solar system. Many types of research and studies have proved that Mars has a similar atmosphere to that of Earth. This triggered the concept of life on Mars in the minds of our genius scientists.

Many astronautic devices, space crafts, rovers, etc., are used to check whether any evidence or sign of life on Mars can be found to prove the theory. But every attempts to find the possibility has found negative results till date. But frequent efforts are being taken from the scientific side of our world to find life on Mars a possibility.

Similarities:

Studies and constant research have found oxygen content to be present on the surface of the red planet. However, it is not as habitat-able as on Earth for humans to survive or breathe. But this miraculous discovery has seeded the life on Mars theory further on.

Later on, water presence on the planet was also found, but in its solid form, ice. The latest update was given by the rover that three kinds of microbial organisms were found when the land sample was being examined by them. This has created a major spark in the research of life on Mars theory.

All these studies prove that there may be some kind of life on Mars but however, that may not be very similar to that of life on Earth. The living creature may be different form every species of flora and fauna living in our world.

Responsibility:

Even if life on Mars is found and the possibility is being proven, there are some ethics and responsibilities we should be following. We, humans, have almost destroyed the beauty and diversity of our mother Earth. The same mistake should not be done in case of life on Mars.

Instead of finding more technological advancements that eventually destroys the life on Mars, we should focus on more sustainable ways to exist in the new environment. Exploring new ways of life is not a bad thing, but instead of destructing the life on Mars we should find a mutual way to exist on the planet along with maintaining its natural beauty.

Mars is a planet which has the closest of similarities with the planet earth. Hence there has been most research on the chances of discovery of life on this planet. Mars, also known as the red planet remains a mystery for us for many reasons although as on today we know a lot of about than we did some fifty years ago.

Early Expeditions:

While space crafts equipped with robotics have given us magnificent perspectives, no people have ever endeavoured to adventure to Mars, and no such missions will endeavour for a long time. Meanwhile, NASA is buckling down now to find whether there is life on Mars. Different nations have been sending space crafts to orbit or land there since the 1960s, and every mission encourages us more about this entrancing planet. We have discovered that despite the fact that Mars is more like Earth than anyplace else in the close planetary system, and subsequently is the best place to search for life, it is as yet unique in relation to Earth from numerous points of view.

Why Mars may not be another Earth?

The earth and Mars have a lot of similarities between them. However, there are some critical differences which make them look so different. A compass focuses toward the north post on Earth in light of the fact that our entire planet acts like a giant magnet; however, Mars does not act along these lines. Other than turning a compass needle, Earth’s attractive field dismisses hazardous radiations coming from the space. Without an attractive field on Mars and with a whole lot less air than on Earth, more unsafe space radiation reaches its surface, making the possibility of life thin. However, there have been instances of polar ice found of Mars suggesting that water and even early forms of, life could have existed on this red planet.

Some Popular Expeditions:

In 1976, NASA landed spacecraft named Viking 1 and Viking 2 on Mars. One of these landers worked there for almost 4 years and the other kept orbiting it for over 6 years. Among their logical tests were the main ones so far explicitly intended to find whether there was something little for instance small microscopic organisms living on Mars? Most researchers are of the view that the outcomes don’t lead to any indications of life. The shuttle had cameras that returned a large number of pictures of the surface, demonstrating the changing seasons and delicacies of the stones and earth close to the stationary landers. However, the cameras did not show any signs of life on the planet.

Did Life ever exist on Mars?

Regardless of whether there was no life on Mars, it is energizing to realize whether there used to be lives there. So notwithstanding searching for living microscopic organisms, space agencies will look for small fossils that may show life did begin on Mars at some of the time may be hundreds or thousands of years ago. Maybe sometime in future we may have expeditions where man lands on Mars just as we landed on the Moon one day. But for now, there remains no evidence to support that life does exist on Mars today.

Life on Mars has been an idea in people’s minds since we discovered how the planet looks. Compared to the other ones in our solar system Mars is a planet that is most similar to our homeland. One can argue that life on Mars is just a part of our imagination and something that will never be achieved, a hypothetical idea far from realization. But there are others who wholeheartedly believe that life on Mars is possible and, some argue, there was life on this planet before.

Is life on Mars possible?

To answer the question of whether or not life on Mars is possible we first need to look at all the prerequisites for life to exist. Some scientists have made a list of nineteen factors that need to be present on a planet for it to sustain life as it is encountered on planet Earth.

Even though Mars is bigger as a planet the Earth and it has soil on it unlike some of the other planets that are orbiting the Sun, many of the key factors for life are missing. Life on Mars is impossible without water to sustain the growth of plant life that we need to feed ourselves. The other big problem with life on Mars is the lack of an ozone layer and therefore of air.

The Findings:

Over the past decades, human explorations of space has made us question the possibility of life on Mars. Such questioning naturally led to missions of exploration and different national space agencies investigated the planet the best they could.

One such exploration of life on Mars sent a probe to the planet to collect a soil sample, this happened in 1976. The scientists were searching for any evidence of life like bacteria but they found nothing that would indicate the existence of a life form on this planet

Then in 1996, the question of the prior existence of life on Mars was asked once more when a meteorite from the planet fell to Earth. The sample collected showed fossilized bacteria and other simple life forms that existed on the planet. After several years of research, the majority of scientist found that the meteorite actually had no evidence in support of life on Mars, the claim was disputed but some researchers still maintain that the evidence is present in the findings.

The future of life on Mars is not as bleak as the idea that there was life on the planet earlier. Many people are creating hypothetical programs that would support life on Mars and there is a general idea present that humanity could colonize the planet successfully and turn it into their new home. What remains is a real investment in the projects that would experiment with life on Mars and this can only be achieved with state funding. In the end, the future of life on Mars depends on our attempt to settle on the planet and on the individuals willing to fulfill such a goal.

Life on Mars is not just a childish dream but a real project that has many people excited. The great thing about this idea is that it opens up a whole new field of inquiry and a search for solutions to very specific and one could say planetary problems. Such problems offer a wide range of opportunities for us to imagine new technologies and to invent new machines to use for space exploration. People are doing the best they can to explore the possibility of life on Mars and once more resources get pushed towards this exploration of the planet, we will see incredible results.

Mars is a planet just like earth due to its similarity in life sustaining properties. Although there has been no evidence of life on mars previously and so there is no cumulative evidence of life in Mars. Mars is adjacent to earth and has environmental components that are similar to those on earth. Scientists have speculated that Mars has a possibility of sustaining life just like earth and the components of life sustainability have been analyzed.

Is Mars habitable?

According to scientists, there is possibility of habitation in Mars. However, the environmental parameters could be insufficient but scientists have not made a conclusive report on them. The availability of water on Mars has been confirmed because liquid water was found on the surface. The environmental chemicals that have been established to be present are essential metals and nutrients. The source of energy would be solar energy and geochemical energy. Physical conditions like temperature, atmospheric pressure and climate changes were also determined to be able to sustain life. In the past, microbes were suspected to have existed on Mars. Up to date, evidence of life on Mars has not been established. Ionizing radiations are present and coexist with cosmic radiation in Mars. There is no magnetic shields on Mars due to the loss of the protective magnetosphere and atmosphere. This results in deleterious effects of radiations to living things.

Conditions that enable survival of living things range from the temperatures, radiations, humidity, atmospheric components and pressure. Life on mars has been made to appear impossible but there are some survival strategies with limited functions of reproduction, ability to thrive and evolution of living organisms.

Studies, experiments and missions to Mars:

There have been studies, missions and experiments that have been done to determine life on Mars. The first journey to Mars began in 1962with the launching of a spacecraft. The mission was called Mars 1. This space craft lost communication on the way to mars. Although communication was lost, there were few findings that were recorded. There were temperature abnormalities on the surface of Mars. And no signs of life on Mars were detected.

Mars 4 was another mission that was successful in 1965, results showed that there was no evidence of water in Mars through photographs which showed lack of water bodies like rivers and oceans. Findings showed that there was no magnetic field in the globe. The atmospheric pressure was also established to be too low compared to that of earth. After determination of these harsh conditions that are threatening to life of multicellular organisms, scientists started speculating for microbial life. Thereafter, Viking orbiters continued to look for evidence of life. The experiment were focused on soil to determine life on Mars for microbes but the results were inconclusive for existence of life.

Perchlorates have been determined to be present on Mars. It is very destructive compound that cannot sustain living things.

Reasons for human colonization of Mars:

All the studies, experiments and missions to Mars have been termed human colonization of the planet. The main reason for this colonization is economical interest. People want to be established economically hence the quest to find evidence of life on mars. Also, there is curiosity that drives scientists into finding more about evidence of life on Mars. The colonization process requires a lot of resources e.g., robots and technologies that are advanced and therefore there are attempts to develop these resources to enable research to be continued. Astronomic adventures and scientists are ambitious in the colonization of Mars.

In conclusion, no matter how similar mars is to earth, the possibility of human life sustenance is limited. Through experiments, the conditions of life sustenance are adverse and unable to promote survival. In as much as survival is limited, the presence of deleterious components are more pronounced in Mars than on earth. These deleterious components include harmful chemicals like perchlorate, heavy metals like lead, ionizing and cosmic radiations which contribute to impossible habitation of Mars by humans. However, life on Mars has not been determined to be completely impossible because a larger scope of research has not been done. Life on Mars is still inconclusive and research is ongoing. The absence of a protective magnosphere and atmosphere give poor prognosis with matters of life sustenance even with adjustments of other parameters. In as much as we desire life on a different planet, earth is still the best place to be. Earth provides and sustain living things comfortably.

As we all know, Mars is the fourth planet in distance in our solar system from of course the sun. It is the second least planet when the sizes of the planets are considered, only mercury is smaller than mars. Mars has some similarities to the earth where we human beings live. Most especially, there are similarities in our atmospheres. These similarities may be as a result of the proximity of the planet mars to our own earth. The planet mars is popularly called the red planet because of the abundance of iron oxide that is reddish in colour on the surface of the planet and this gives the planet a very reddish and distinctive appearance that separates it from the other planets and can be seen clearly; it is probably the most studied planet in our solar system. The continuous study of the planet mars has indicated that there is the probability that life exists on the planet and it can support life.

The Possibility and Probability of Life on Mars:

The very first evidence indicating life on Mars is dated back to the early 19 th century. Astronomers and scientists have since then been interested in mars and have been trying and striving to learn more about the red planet. There have been numerous operations of research over the years that were conducted to discover whether mars support life (if there is currently life on mars, if there ever was life on mars or if it can support life in the future). A lot of these researchers involved have claimed that our planet here is very much similar to mars when we put the atmospheres into consideration. It is important to note that the atmosphere of mars is very much colder than that of earth.

The environment and surroundings of mars is not believed to be fit and safe for human beings to live even though there is oxygen available and present in the atmosphere and all over mars. In the past, there used to signs of the presence of water in its liquid state on Mars, the only form of water we have on mars today are the ice caps that we have on the planet. As a result of this, the land of the planet mars is largely barren. Scientists and researchers recently sent a curiosity rover to the mars that has greatly helped in the exploration of the planet a lot further. The land dug by the rover on mars has led to the discovery that there are three very different types of molecules that are organic on mars and this point to the possibility that there might be the existence of some sort of life or living organism on mars.

Some facts about the planet mars and the earth:

It has been discovered that seasonal cycles and period of rotation of the planet earth is very similar to that of the planet earth. The Olympus Mon which is the volcano that is largest and also the mountain that is second highest in all of the big solar system. There are two moons on the planet mars and they are named: deimos and phobos both of which are irregularly shaped and very small.

Investigations on the habitability of mars:

Investigations are ongoing on the assessment of the habitability of the mars in the past and also the possibility and probability of life on mars. There are plans of missions of future astrobiology like Exomars and Mars 2020 rovers. Because of the extremely low and little atmospheric pressure of mars, the existence of liquid water is impossible on mar’s surface. The atmospheric pressure of the planet mars is almost lower than 1% of the atmospheric pressure of the earth.

The planet mars has two ice caps at the poles that seem to be formed majorly from water. It is believed that the quantity and volume of iced water that is in the ice cap of the south pole is more than enough to immerse the entire surface of the planet mars to about 11 meters in depth if it is melted. Around 2016, it was reported by NASA that they found a large quantity of ice underground in some of the regions on mars including Utopia Planitia. The volume and quantity of water that has been detected on mars is estimated to equal to the quantity and amount of water that we have in the Lake Superior.

It is very possible to see the planet mars from the earth even with naked eyes; it red colouring is very conspicuous from the earth. The apparent magnitude of the planet mars reaches about -2.94 and is only exceeded by the apparent magnitudes of the sun, the moon, Venus and Jupiter. Optical telescopes that are ground based are primarily limited to only resolving features that are about 190 miles or 300 kilometres across when Mars and Earth are very close due to the atmosphere of the earth.

Some physical characteristics of the planet mars:

The planet mars is almost half of the earth’s diameter and the surface area of the mars is only a little bit lesser in size than the earth’s total dry land area. The earth is also denser than the planet mars and the volume of the planet mars is only about 15% of the volume of earth and the mass of the planet mars is only about 11% of the mass of the planet earth. This means that the surface gravity of the planet mars is only about 38% of the surface gravity of the planet earth.

There is still no solid assurance or certainty that the mars will be able to safely and fully support life like the planet earth. It is a serious question that might take several years to answer; we do not know for sure if the planet mars will one day be fit and safe for inhabiting. A lot of various researches are currently ongoing to discover and work on life on mars.

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Essay on Life on Mars

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Table of Contents

Scientists and Astronomers from around the world have collated evidences about the possibility of life on Mars. The study about this planet is going on since decades and there is still a long way to go. Many spacecrafts have been sent on Mars in an attempt to understand whether life exists on this planet or is there any scope of inhabiting this planet in future. This is an interesting subject of exploration and has caught the fancy of astronomers since long time.

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Target Exam ---

The environment of Mars is similar to that of earth in more than one way and this has been a reason for scientific explorations looking for signs of life on the planet. However, mere similarity of environmental factors between earth and mars doesn’t prove that there is life on mars, a claim which needed to be backed by concrete scientific evidences. Beginning in the 19 th century, the quest for life on mars continues even today.

Long and Short Essay on Life on Mars in English

We are providing below essay on Life on Mars in English, to help you with the topic in your exams/school assignments.

These Life on Mars essay will give you an elaborate but simple explanation of the previous explorations and researches for life on mars; why is it more likely to support life etc.

You can select any Life on Mars essay as per your interest and need and present during your class assignment, debate competition, speech, essay writing etc.

Short Essay on Life on Mars 200 words

The existence of life on Mars has been a subject of study since more than a century. Scientists have been trying to collate evidences to figure out whether life has ever existed on this planet or is it inhabited with people presently or if there is any possibility of life on Mars in the future. The research done until now hints that there has never been any life on Mars nor is it inhabited with people currently. However, the possibility of life on the red planet cannot be ruled out completely.

Research shows that surface liquid water was present on Mars during the ancient Noachian period. This made for a habitable atmosphere for microorganisms. However, whether microorganisms ever penetrated on the planet is still a question. Research on the subject is still going on. Today, water on Mars exists in its solid state that is in the form of ice. Some of it also exists as vapour in the planet’s atmosphere.

Scientists have been trying to conduct research on Mars by way of telescopes, spacecrafts and rovers that are helpful in collecting evidences about the condition and nature of this planet. It is interesting and exciting to learn that life on this planet may be possible as its atmosphere is quite similar to Earth.

Essay on If I were on Mars 300 words

Mars is the fourth planet in the solar system. It is positioned just next to Earth and thus scientists and astronomers believe that there could be a possibility of life on this planet just as our planet. The evidences about the presence of water and oxygen on Mars have raised hopes about the probability of life on Mars.

If I Get a Chance to Live on Mars

While the scientists keep sending spacecrafts and rovers on Mars to conduct their research, I often dream about going to the planet to understand if there are any people living there and whether life is actually possible on this planet or not.

I wish I get some special powers to visit Mars and see how the planet really is. If I were on Mars, I would explore every bit of it to learn about it. I would live at different places on the planet to experience the variation in climate. I really wish I could transform Mars into a place which is fit for human civilization if it isn’t already. I want this planet to stay as pure as our Earth was during the beginning of the times.

If I ever got a chance to be on Mars and manage things there, I would grow several plants and make sure the people who eventually come to live on the planet lead a simple life like that of a villager devoid of the high-tech gadgets that are ruining our planet, Earth. I will ensure that there is no pollution on the planet and urge the people living there to contribute in keeping the atmosphere clean.

I want people to learn from the mistakes made on Earth and avoid the same on Mars. We have almost destroyed our beautiful Earth. I wish we do not do the same with the planet which is yet in its pure form.

Essay on My Trip to Mars 400 words

I have been reading news about the possibility of life on Mars since years and have always fancied how it would be like if life can actually be possible on this planet. How many of us will shift to this uninhabited planet and start our life there, how our relatives and friends living on Earth will plan trips to visit Mars, how would life on Mars actually be – will it be like that on Earth or different from it? All these questions come across my mind quite often and I get lost in the dreams of this far-away place. I have even made full-fledged plans of how I would visit the red planet if ever life is possible there.

My Trip to Mars

My trip to Mars is very much on my bucket list. However, I would certainly not rush to the planet as soon as it is declared habitable. I would wait for it to develop for a few years before I plan my visit. I would go to Mars with my friends. I would plan a trip for at least 15 days as I assume I would not get a chance to visit the planet often enough because of the distance and expenses involved. So, I would like to explore each and every corner of this planet on this trip.

We humans are known for demarcating the land and labelling it. I am sure just as Earth; Mars will also be divided into several countries within few years. While some of these countries would be worth spending time in others may be worthy of just a glance. I would talk to the local people on the planet and gather information about how and where all to visit to make the most of the trip. I will visit as many places as I can and try all sorts of cuisines available on Mars. I will shop a lot and take back sovereigns for my dear ones. I will also take a lot of pictures to cherish the memories of the days spent there.

I know my trip to mars is a far-fetched dream. However, I do hope I will get a chance to visit this planet once in my lifetime. I believe our new-age astronomers, scientists and technicians and know they will soon find a way to make this planet fit for human civilization. Until then, I shall visit some places on our planet Earth to seek adventure and gratify the travel enthusiast in me.

Essay on If I were to be the First Human to Visit the Mars 500 words

I aspire to be an astronomer. The celestial bodies fascinate me. My school conducts space workshop every year and I make sure I participate in the same each year. During these sessions, we are told about the Sun, Moon, planets and stars in detail. Besides getting theoretical knowledge about these, we also get a chance to view some of these via telescope which is my favourite part. It is all mesmerizing and my interest in astronomy is increasing with every workshop I attend.

It is the planet Mars that has caught my interest more than any other celestial body. I would definitely plan a manned mission to the red planet when I become an astronomer.

The Fame of Being the First Human to Visit Mars

As keen as I am on going to Mars, I am as much scared to visit the planet alone. I would like to visit the planet with a team of fellow astronomers and technicians. However, I dream of becoming the first person to land on Mars. After all, people only remember the first person to accomplish a mission. The names of the rest are forgotten soon. Just as we all remember Neil Armstrong who was the first to step on the moon. He was accompanied by other astronomers who too stepped on this astronomical body however no one remembers them. Likewise, being the first human to visit Mars will bring me a lot of fame.

My name would be published in every newspaper and flashed on every news channel. It would be a proud moment for me, my family as well as the entire nation. I would receive numerous awards for excellence in my field and for achieving what many could only dream of. I would be remembered for years and years to come. Students across the globe will read about my achievements as a part of their curriculum.

Experience Life on Mars as the First Human on the Planet

I would not just like to visit mars and come back. I would like to live there for few weeks to experience how life on Mars really is. Mars is known to be rich in minerals. I would like to explore the kind of minerals available there and also collect some to bring back home in order to conduct further research on them. I would like to experience and understand how life on Mars would actually be and that can only happen if I stay there for long. I would also carry few seeds to the planet and see if they grow there in a couple of weeks. I would explore different parts of the planet to experience the kind of climate it has.

If I would be the first person to visit Mars, the expectation from my research on the planet would be extremely high. I will spend most of my time studying the atmosphere and condition of the planet to see if it is fit for human civilization.

My interest in exploring Mars is increasing by the day. I aim to work hard and become an astronomer as I grow up to further my mission of being the first human to visit Mars.

Long Essay on Life on Mars 600 words

Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, is said to have certain similarities with Earth when it comes to its atmosphere. This may be because of its proximity to our planet. This planet has been studied more than any other in the solar system. Every now and then there is news about new evidence indicating the probability of life on the red planet.

Possibility of Life on Mars

The first evidence of life on Mars was found as early as the 19 th century. Since then the planet has caught the interest of the scientists and astronomers around the world. Numerous research operations have been conducted to find out whether life exists on Mars or if it ever did or can. Researchers claim that Mars is quite like our planet Earth when it comes to its atmosphere although it gets much colder.

Though oxygen is present on the planet its environment is not considered fit for human inhabitation. While there have been evidences of liquid water on Mars in the past, today most of the water on the planet is locked in its polar ice caps. This has resulted in the planet’s land becoming barren. The curiosity rover that was sent to the red planet recently helped in exploring the planet further. The rover dug some land on Mars and discovered three different kinds of organic molecules on the planet which indicates the possibility of some kind of life form on the planet.

If there was Life on Mars

I often wonder how interesting it would be if there was life on Mars and the concept of aliens which is shown in various Hollywood and Bollywood movies was actually true. I really wish, the researchers soon find some aliens on Mars and are able to bring them to Earth for research. It would be super exciting. We will learn so much about the planet with the help of those aliens. We will understand the kind of hardships faced on the planet and the joys of living there. I wish we soon find out that Mars supports life and we can inhabit it.

I wish after this discovery, we humans are given a choice about whether we wish to live on Earth or Mars or take a trip to Mars just as we visit other cities and countries. Special aircrafts would be made to take people from Earth to Mars. We would be able to explore a whole new world and meet people who are completely different from us or may be have some similarities.

I really wish that if people actually exist on Mars they are not as selfish as those living on Earth. I would like to leave Earth and live on this newly explored planet. I would like to experience life on that planet at least for few years. It would be so exciting to meet new people, learn new languages, and eat new kinds of cuisines and pet different types of animals. Due to the difference in the climatic conditions of Earth and Mars, the flora and fauna of the two planets is not likely to match. We will thus get a chance to witness newer varieties of plants and animals on Mars. I really wish Mars is not yet perturbed with technology and that people on that planet live in harmony with nature. It would be blissful living in such a place.

Whether Mars is or will ever be fit for inhabiting is a question which is still likely to take several decades to answer. Numerous researches have already taken place in this regard and many others are going on. I really wish we get some crucial evidence on life on Mars soon.

Essay on Life on Mars FAQs

What is the life on mars.

There is no confirmed life on Mars yet; scientists are still exploring.

What is a short paragraph about Mars?

Mars is a planet in our solar system, often called the 'Red Planet' due to its rusty appearance.

Can people live on Mars essay?

People can't live on Mars without advanced technology and life support systems.

How do humans live on Mars?

Humans could live on Mars with life support and creating habitats.

There is no known life on Mars; it's a focus of scientific research.

What is the Mars essay?

An essay about Mars would talk about its features, exploration, and potential for human colonization.

What is the conclusion of life on Mars?

The conclusion about life on Mars is that it's a challenging environment, and more research is needed to understand its potential for life and human settlement.

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Life on Mars Essay for students and Children | PDF Download

Essay on Life on Mars

In this article, we are providing an essay on Life on Mars. Potential of Life on Mars, Dispute of Life on Mars, Images . Students can go through this page for more information on Life on Mars.

Life on Mars Essay for Students and Children

Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system. The geographical features are to a certain extent analogous to our earth. Mars is the planet after the earth. Mars is also called the red planet due to the presence of iron oxide in it.

One revolution of the planet mars around the sun takes 687 days to complete.

Earth is the only planet with the existence of life, for many centuries. Mars is the planet that the world has new exposure to Scientists and Astronomers are still in the process of research to discover or obtain a life on Mars.

There may be no existence on the planet as of now. But it is strongly believed that life on mars is possible.

“All the ingredients for life on mars exit”.

There are substantiations for, the subsistence of oxygen and water on Mars. This lay credence there are possibilities of life on Mars.

Potential of Life on Mars

Many are curious and excited to know “how life on mars exists”. If the existence is feasible we need to experience it. Mars is a planet that exhibits similar features to mother earth. Past billion years ago, mars and earth looked like. It has been confirmed by scientists and astronomers that mars once had a huge ocean. Water and magnetic fields protect the planet. The ocean present on mars is assumed to cover the planet’s facade, than that of the Earth’s oceans at present.

The researcher still believes that the water in the mars still exists. The water would be salty due to its environment and geography. As the result, it is assumed that the planet mars has the ecological environment to support existence.

Additionally, the planet mars was a lot of furnaces compared to the temperature now. The effective temperature and requirement of water are the key essentials for the existence of life. As the reason, it is said that the changes of life on mars were obtainable in the past on the planet. Existence on earth is promising in all the unsympathetic states of affairs. Life on earth is viable in all the farthest crooks. Irrespective of the warmth and frosty conditions. Life is probable even on the dry and hot deserts, and also the tremendously freezing Antarctica continent. Worth mentioning, this buoyancy of existence gives copiousness of expectation regarding life on Mars.

Dispute of Life on Mars

The atmosphere on mars mostly consists of carbon dioxide. The air on the planet is hundred times emaciated than the air compared to the planet earth. Consequently, it would be intricate for human beings to breathe on the red planet lacking a spacesuit crammed with oxygen. Animals and plants can’t escort life on the mars appropriate to gravity which is 38% of the earth. Besides, the low gravity can lead to vigor issues like muscle slaughter or bone demineralization. Mars has methane presence in it. None have the idea from where the chemical is emerging. For that reason, the likelihood comes to pass that methane occurrence is due to the existence of the microbes deep below the surface of the planet. It is assumed that there exists “refugee life” deep below the planet. The typical weather of mars is an additional considerable predicament. The cold is unmatched by the earth. The temperature of mars ranges between -87 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius. Whereas the coldest temperature on earth is -89.2 degrees Celsius in Antarctica. Water obtainable on the mars is underneath average than that of the earth. Even the deserts encompass more water than the mars.

Life on Mars: Images

Mars Landed Persons Images

Conclusion: Life on Mars is the focus that has developed inquisitiveness among Scientists, Astronomers, Experts, and People. Survival of life on the mars involves many disputes and hindrances. Hope the planet mars become the second home for the existence of life.

Life on Mars Essay for Students and Children | PDF Download

Dear Students and Children, you can download the Life on Mars  Essay in the Hand Written Format by Clicking the Below Click Here Link.

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The key to understanding life on other planets could be hidden on our own..

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Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? If so, how do scientists search for and identify it? Finding life beyond Earth is extremely difficult, partly because other planets are so far away and partly because we are not sure what to look for.

Yet, astrobiologists have learned a lot about  how to find life  in extraterrestrial environments, mainly by studying how and when the early Earth became livable.

While research teams at NASA are  directly combing  the surface of Mars for signs of life, our  interdisciplinary research group  is  using a site here on Earth  to approximate ancient environmental conditions on Mars.

Contained within northern Idaho’s  Clarkia Middle Miocene Fossil Site  are sediments that preserve some of Earth’s most diverse biological marker molecules, or  biomarkers . These are remains of past life that offer glimpses into Earth’s history.

An Ancient Lake

About 16 million years ago, a lava flow in what would one day become Clarkia, Idaho, dammed a local drainage system and created a deep lake in a  narrow, steep-sided valley . Although the lake has since dried up, weathering, erosion and  human activity  have exposed sediments of the former lake bed.

For nearly five decades, research teams like ours – being led by  Dr. Hong Yang  and  Dr. Qin Leng  – have used  fossil remains  and  biogeochemistry  to reconstruct past environments of the Clarkia Miocene Lake region.

The lake’s depth created the  perfect conditions  for protecting microbial, plant and animal remains that fell to the lake’s bottom. In fact, the sediments are so well preserved that some of the fossilized leaves still show their autumn colors from when they sank into the water millions of years ago.

Today, ancient lake beds on Earth are becoming  important settings  for learning about habitable environments on other planets.

Biological Marker Molecules

Clarkia’s lake sediments  contain a suite  of ancient biomarkers. These compounds, or classes of compounds, can reveal how organisms and their  environments functioned  in the past.

Since the discovery of the  Clarkia fossil site in 1972 , multiple research teams have used various  cutting-edge technologies to analyze  different biomarkers.

Some of those found at Clarkia  include lignin , which is the structural support tissue of plants,  lipids like fats and waxes , and possibly  DNA and amino acids .

Understanding the origins, history and environmental factors that have allowed these biosignatures to stay so well preserved at Clarkia may also allow our team to predict the potential of organic matter preservation in ancient lake deposits on Mars.

Studying Life Signatures on Mars

In 2021, the  Mars Perseverance Rover  landed on top of lake deposits in Mars’  Jezero Crater . Jezero is a meteorite impact crater believed to have once been flooded with water and home to an ancient river delta. Microbial life may have lived in Jezero’s crater lake, and their biomarkers might be found in lake bed sediments today. Perseverance has been drilling into the crater’s surface to collect samples that could contain ancient signs of life, with the intent of  returning the samples to Earth in 2033 .

Clarkia has many similarities to the Jezero Crater. Both Clarkia and Jezero Crater have ancient  lake deposits  derived from silica-rich,  basaltic rock  that formed under  a climate with  higher temperatures, high humidity and a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere.

At Clarkia, these conditions preserved microbial biomarkers in the ancient lake. Similar settings could have  formed lakes  on the surface of Mars.

The samples  Perseverance is collecting  contain the geologic and climate history of the Jezero Crater landing site and may even contain preserved biomarkers of ancient life.

While Perseverance continues its mission, our group is  establishing criteria  for biomolecular authentication. That means we are developing ways to figure out whether ancient biomarkers from Earth, and hopefully Mars, are true echoes of life – rather than recent contamination or molecules from nonliving sources.

To do so, we are studying biomarkers from Clarkia’s fossil leaves and sediments and developing laboratory experiments using  Martian simulants . This material simulates the chemical and physical properties of Jezero Crater’s lake sediments.

By deciphering the sources, history and preservation of biomarkers connected with Clarkia’s ancient lake deposits, we hope to develop new strategies for studying the Perseverance Rover samples once they are back on Earth.

Robert Patalano is a Lecturer of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Bryant University. This article is republished from  The Conversation  under a  Creative Commons license . Read the  original article .

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Essay on Life on Mars | About Life on Mars

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The Planet Mars has been the subject of intense research and curiosity for all human being. The Several countries of world are busy in getting up to the mars where it is believed that the life is possible on mars. In the following Essays on Mars, that include; life on another plant, a trip to mars or is life possible on mars etc, have been written with intense care for students. These short and long essays are quite helpful for children and students during the exam preparation.

List of Topics

Short Essay on Life on Another Plant

It has been a topic of study for more than 100 years whether there is life on Mars. They have been trying to gather evidence to figure out whether life has ever existed on this planet or if it is currently inhabited by people, or if there is a possibility of life on Mars in the future. Until now, the research done at least suggests that there is no life on Mars and that it is not currently inhabited by humans. Nonetheless, life on the red planet cannot be completely ruled out.

During the ancient Noachian period, surface liquid water was present on Mars. As a result, microorganisms were able to flourish. In spite of this, it remains unclear whether microorganisms have ever been found on Earth. There is still research being done on the topic. On Mars, water exists as ice, which is solid today. The planet’s atmosphere also contains some of it as vapour.

Researchers have tried to learn more about Mars through the use of telescopes, spacecraft, and rovers that can provide evidence of its condition and nature. As it has an atmosphere quite similar to Earth, it seems possible that life may exist on this planet as well.

A dream Trip to Mars Essay For Students

Since years, I have been reading articles about the possibility of life on Mars and have always wondered what it would be like if it were really possible. Are there any of us who plan to relocate to Mars and establish their lives there, will our relatives and friends on Earth plan trips there, and how would life be on Mars – will it be the same as what it is on Earth, or different from it?

All these questions cross my mind quite often and I often get lost in the dreams of this distant place. If it is possible for life to exist on the red planet, I have made full-blown plans to visit it.

My Trip to Mars

I hope to visit Mars someday, but I would not rush there as soon as it is declared habitable. My visit to Mars would be a few years down the road once it has progressed. I would travel with my friends. As I am not likely to visit the planet often enough because of the distance and costs involved, I would plan a trip for at least 15 days. So, I wish to discover every corner of the globe on this trip.

We humans are known for demarcating land and labeling it. Just as Earth has been divided into countries, so will Mars in a few years. Some of these countries are worth spending time in, while others may be worthwhile only to glance at. For the best experience on the planet, I will talk to locals and find out where and how to visit. I will visit as many places as I can and try the local cuisine. I will shop a lot and bring back sovereigns for my family. A lot of photos will be taken so that I can remember the days there.

I know visiting mars is a farfetched dream, but I do hope I will be able to visit this planet once in my lifetime. I believe the new generation of astronomers, scientists and technologists will soon discover a way to make the Earth a viable place for human civilization. In the meantime, I will explore some places on our planet to satisfy my desire to travel.

Short Essay on Life on Mars For Students

There are certain similarities in the atmospheres of Mars and Earth, the planet that is fourth from the Sun. Possibly it is because it is so close to us. There has been more study of this planet than any other planet in the solar system. On the red planet, it is possible to find new evidence of life every now and then.

Life on Mars is Possible

In the 19th century, the first signs of life at Mars were found. Astonishingly, the planet has captured the attention of astronomers and scientists around the world since then. Several research operations have been conducted to determine if life ever existed or could exist on Mars. Despite being much colder than Earth, Mars is said to have an atmosphere similar to Earth’s.

Despite the presence of oxygen, human settlements are not permitted on the planet. Martian water has been found in liquid form in the past, but most of it is now trapped in the planet’s polar caps. As a result, the planet’s land has become barren. In recent weeks, the curiosity rover was sent to explore the planet further. The rover dug some organic molecules from the ground on Mars, indicating there may be some kind of life on the red planet.

Mars is a subject not likely to be resolved for several decades, if it is ever fit for human habitation. This topic has been the subject of several researches and many more are in progress in this area. I hope we soon receive some important evidence that life exists on Mars.

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Nasa mars rover captures ingenuity helicopter in final resting place.

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This processed, cropped image shows Ingenuity at its final landing spot on Mars.

NASA’s pioneering Mars helicopter Ingenuity took to the air for its final flight on January 18 . The mini rotorcraft sustained damage to a rotor blade, bringing an end to an epic, overachieving mission. The Perseverance Mars rover captured a v iew of Ingenuity’s final resting place on February 4. It doesn’t answer all the questions about what happened during the flight, but it brings a sense of closure to a mission that captured the imagination of scientists and casual space fans alike.

Perseverance wasn’t within sight of Ingenuity when the rotorcraft was damaged, so the rover had to get into position to take the long-distance portrait. The image shows a field of scattered rocks in the foreground with a landscape of sweeping dunes in the distance. Ingenuity sits alone near the top of a dune, throwing a shadow off to the side.

A view from Perseverance rover shows the Ingenuity helicopter in the upper left.

Ingenuity is sitting upright. “Miraculously, this little aircraft is tougher still than we could have ever imagined," said Ingenuity project manager Teddy Tzanetos during a tribute on January 31. The damage to the carbon-fiber blades likely came from striking the surface. The team is still working to understand how the damage happened.

The image isn’t a glamorous goodbye closeup. The helicopter is a speck against a broad vista. It’s a reminder of the realities of Mars exploration. The planet’s surface is cold, windy and dry. Robots eventually break down, get smothered by dust, get stuck or run out of energy.

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The solar-powered helicopter was originally designed for a handful of flights, but it kept on flying, eventually racking up 72 flights with nearly 130 minutes of air time as it covered 11 miles of Mars. It all started back in April 2021 when the rotorcraft took a short flight and made history as the first example of powered, controlled flight on another planet.

NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter throws a shadow on the dusty surface on Aug. 2, 2023.

Ingenuity’s blade damage on its final flight came as a surprise. The helicopter communicates through the Perseverance rover and briefly lost contact with its wheeled companion. Ingenuity later photographed shadows showing a ragged edge to the carbon-fiber blade. “We suspect based off the images we’ve seen so far that all four of the rotor blades are damaged,” said Tzanetos. While Ingenuity can still “talk” to the rover, it’s no longer able to take to the air.

Gallery: Mars Gets Wild: Behold NASA Perseverance Rover’s Strangest Sights

Ingenuity leaves behind a remarkable legacy. It graduated from conducting test flights to becoming a scout for Perseverance. It captured aerial views of Mars that allowed the rover team to look for interesting areas for exploration and spot potential obstacles along Perseverance’s path. Ingenuity set the stage for a new generation of aerial robotic explorers. NASA has proposed including two helicopters in a future Mars Sample Return mission. The small choppers could help could pick up rock samples left by the Perseverance rover on the planet’s surface.

Perseverance’s distant view of Ingenuity won’t be the last we see of the helicopter. The Ingenuity team intends to capture video of the helicopter wiggling and rotating its blades to better understand the extent of the damage. It’s essentially a postmortem for the rotorcraft, which lived an exceptional life on a planet known for chewing up robots.

Amanda Kooser

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Guest Essay

The World Has Caught Up to Frantz Fanon

A multicolored mural of Frantz Fanon painted on the side of a building in a suburb of Paris by Jean-Baptiste Colin.

By Adam Shatz

Mr. Shatz is the U.S. editor of The London Review of Books and the author of “The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon.”

The shock of the new, in political life, often sends us back to the past in search of an intellectual compass. Amid the rise of Donald Trump, Viktor Orban, Jair Bolsanaro and other authoritarian leaders, Hannah Arendt’s “The Origins of Totalitarianism,” published in 1951, enjoyed a surge of attention, and Arendt herself acquired a prophet-like status among liberals seeking to understand how their world had gone so wrong. The threat of illiberal nationalism hasn’t faded — on the contrary — but in an age consumed with racism, police violence and the legacy of European colonialism in the Middle East and Africa, Arendt’s popularity is increasingly rivaled by that of a man she both sharply criticized and grudgingly admired: Frantz Fanon.

Fanon, a psychiatrist, writer, and anticolonial militant, who grew up in a middle-class Black family in French colonial Martinique, was not merely a thinker; he was a political theoretician, a fiery spokesman for Algeria’s independence movement, the National Liberation Front (F.L.N.), which he joined while working as a psychiatrist in Blida, on the outskirts of Algiers. He captured, as no other writer of his time did, the fury engendered by colonial humiliation in the hearts of the colonized. He was also a startlingly prescient analyst of contemporary ills — the enduring psychological injuries of racism and oppression, the persistent force of white nationalism and the scourge of autocratic, predatory postcolonial regimes.

Fanon wrote at the height of the Cold War, but, with no less prescience, he regarded the East-West struggle as a passing sideshow, of far less consequence than the divisions between North and South, of the rich world and the poor world. If the colonial world was, in his words, “a world cut in two,” our postcolonial world seems scarcely less so. Just consider the starkly different responses to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza — or South Africa’s case against Israel, on the charge of genocide — in the global north and the global south.

Much of the writing Fanon produced in his short lifetime — he died at 36, of leukemia — was in the form either of psychiatric studies or propaganda dashed off for the purpose of revolutionary instruction. It gives off the heat of battles that haven’t ended, battles over colonialism and racial injustice. Not surprisingly, Fanon’s name has been invoked in discussions of everything from the precariousness of Black lives to the campaign to repatriate African art objects, from the refugee crisis to Hamas’s murderous attack on Oct. 7. It’s not as if his work ever vanished. But it hasn’t been cited with such frequency or urgency since the late 1960s, when the Black Panthers, Palestinian guerrillas and Latin American revolutionaries pored over copies of “The Wretched of the Earth,” Fanon’s 1961 anticolonial manifesto.

Back then, Fanon was a minor celebrity on the radical left. Today he is an icon, enlisted on behalf of a range of often wildly contradictory agendas: Black nationalist and cosmopolitan, secular and Islamist, identitarian and anti-identitarian. He’s the subject of two forthcoming biopics, and “The Wretched of the Earth” even shows up as a prop in an episode of “The White Lotus.” Left-wing artists, academics, activists and therapists hungrily rummage through his writings for catchphrases (and there are many) about the psychological effects of white domination, racist misrepresentations of the Black body, the meaning of the Muslim head scarf, the anger of the colonized and the exhibitionist violence of imperial powers. But the far right has also had a longstanding fascination with his work: both the writer Renaud Camus and the French politician Éric Zemmour, proponents of the racist Great Replacement theory, are readers of Fanon.

After the murder of George Floyd, protesters held up banners quoting Fanon’s observation in “Black Skin, White Masks,” a study of racism published in 1952 when he was 27 years old, that the oppressed revolt when they can no longer breathe. Since Oct. 7, he has been celebrated by pro-Palestinian students — and denounced by their critics — for his defense of violence by the colonized in the first chapter of “The Wretched of the Earth.” What Fanon’s contemporary admirers and detractors have in common is that many, if not most, of them appear not to have read past the first chapter, portraying this complex and challenging thinker as little more than a supporter of revolutionary violence by any means necessary — a Malcolm X for the French-speaking world. Or, more precisely, the caricature to which Malcolm X, like so many Black revolutionaries, has been reduced.

Fanon was born in 1925 , a product of the colonial system. The first three words he learned to write were “I am French,” and when Martinique fell under Vichy tyranny, he escaped the island to serve in the Free French Forces; he was wounded in battle in France and won a Croix de Guerre medal.

But Fanon’s wartime experience stripped him of any illusions about the colonial motherland. Although he was considered an honorary European, like other West Indians in the resistance army, Africans and Arabs were treated as inferiors. Fanon responded to these early, harrowing experiences of racism by exalting his Black identity, before rejecting racial ideology in favor of a radical anti-imperialism.

Fanon was a child of the empire, who fought for France in World War II and then turned against it in Algeria, a secular West Indian in a Muslim-led liberation movement, a dashing and sophisticated intellectual who earned the admiration of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir — he had a life story as cinematic as Malcolm X’s. He also had a flair for provocative rhetoric, enriched by the cadences of the West Indian poetry he’d read as a young man. Fanon wrote some of the most memorable slogans of the national liberation struggles of the 1960s: “Europe is literally the creation of the Third World”; “the colonized liberates himself in and through violence”; “Come, comrades, the European game is finally over, we must look for something else.” But if these slogans have burnished his contemporary aura (and made him a favorite of French rappers), they have also lent themselves — like “the ballot or the bullet” in Malcolm X’s case — to an oversimplified understanding of his life and legacy.

Fanon, not merely a gifted propagandist, was both a champion of decolonization and one of its most incisive analysts. He was, to be sure, a proponent of armed struggle by the colonized. But the colonial system, he emphasized, was itself founded on violent and sometimes genocidal acts of dispossession and repression. The violence of the colonized was a counter-violence; it did not grow out of a void. As a psychiatrist, Fanon believed that armed struggle had therapeutic benefits, allowing the colonized to overcome the stupor, the paralyzing sense of hopelessness, induced by colonial subjugation, and to become masters of their own fate.

Yet Fanon did not regard all forms of anticolonial violence as equally legitimate: He criticized Algerian rebels who had committed atrocities with “the almost physiological brutality that centuries of oppression nourish and give rise to.” And in the last chapter of “The Wretched of the Earth,” titled “Colonial War and Mental Disorders,” a series of haunting case studies about what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder, Fanon predicted that the “psycho-affective” effects of both colonial and anticolonial violence would weigh heavily on Algeria’s future. The soldier saw the gun as a necessary midwife of anticolonial history; the healer dreaded inner wars to come.

His views about Algeria’s European settler community were more textured than his admirers and detractors would have us believe — or than those expressed by Sartre in his incendiary preface to “The Wretched of the Earth,” which celebrated the murder of European civilians as anticolonial justice. As a psychiatrist, Fanon had no trouble grasping the desire for revenge among victims of colonial oppression. The colonized, he wrote, was a “persecuted man who constantly dreams of becoming the persecutor.” Nonetheless, he insisted that the anticolonial movement would have to reject the “primitive Manichaeism of the colonizer — Black versus White, Arab versus Infidel.” Some members of the colonized community, he noted, “can be whiter than the whites,” while some whites could “prove to be closer, infinitely closer, to the nationalist struggle than certain native sons.”

While the principal aim of Algeria’s struggle was to free the country from French domination, he argued that the F.L.N. should open its arms to anyone who embraced it, including Europeans of conscience. The identities of “settler” and “native” were not fixed, essential identities; they were identities created by colonialism itself and would disappear with colonialism. After independence, the colonized would discover “the man behind the colonizer” — and vice versa. “Hatred,” he wrote, “cannot constitute a program.”

The reality was less attractive. Only a tiny number of Europeans joined the independence struggle; most supported France’s continued rule, and considered the French Army’s brutal repression — including the forced relocation of two million Algerian villagers, widespread torture, and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians — to be a necessary war against “terrorism.” This greatly diminished the prospects for Muslim-European coexistence in an independent Algeria. And, as Fanon discovered while serving as an F.L.N. spokesman in Tunisia, his progressive allies in the movement were a minority, outnumbered and outgunned by Arab nationalists and Islamic populists of a more authoritarian streak.

Even as he witnessed intolerance and violent score settling in the F.L.N., he remained a good soldier, echoing the official line. But in “The Wretched of the Earth,” he expressed his concerns that the impending liberation of Algeria and the African continent would not lead to true freedom for the oppressed, since an avaricious and corrupt “national bourgeoisie” stood in the way of a more sweeping social revolution. In his writing and in his work as a psychiatrist, Fanon advanced a rebellious vision of what he called “disalienation” — a commitment to collective and individual freedom that was in some ways a challenge to his own adopted cause. It is no wonder that he has found an admiring audience among young intellectuals in contemporary Algeria, who find themselves suffocated by their authoritarian regime, the “pouvoir,” the opaque power that still controls the country.

Although a revolutionary and a radical , Fanon was averse to the kind of identity-based politics for which he is often enlisted today. For all that he anatomized the destructive effects of racism on the psyches of the colonized, he considered projects of cultural reclamation to be inherently conservative and dismissed the idea of race itself. “The Negro is not,” he wrote. “No more than the White man.” While he acknowledged the role that Islam had played in mobilizing Algerian Muslims against French rule, he warned that it threatened to “reanimate the sectarian and religious spirit,” separating the anticolonial struggle from “its ideal future, in order to reconnect it with its past.” For Fanon, what ultimately counted was the “leap of invention,” which, for him, was inextricably linked with the leap into freedom.

Today, the idea of leaping beyond race, ethnicity or religion seems fantastical, and for some not even desirable. But Fanon believed that the prison houses of race and colonialism, in which millions of men and women had been confined, were made by human beings, and could therefore be unmade by them. No one evoked the dream world of race and colonialism — the ways in which oppression burrowed its way into people’s psyches — with such bleak force as Fanon. It’s an important reason he’s so popular today. But Fanon was also, paradoxically, and in decided contrast to many of today’s radical thinkers and activists, an optimist.

For the victims of slavery and colonialism, history had been cruel, but it was not, in his view, an inescapable destiny: “I am not a slave to the slavery that dehumanized my ancestors,” he declared in “Black Skin, White Masks,” adding for good measure that the “density of history determines none of my acts.” He placed his faith in humanity’s capacity for rebirth and innovation and in the possibility of new departures in history: what Arendt called “natality.”

As he bade farewell to Europe in the closing pages of “The Wretched of the Earth,” he dreamed of a new humanity, emancipated from colonialism and empire: “No, we do not want to catch up with anyone. What we want is to move forward all the time, night and day, in the company of man, all men.” It is Fanon’s insistence on the struggle for freedom and dignity in the face of oppression, his belief that one day “the last shall be first,” that imbues his writing with its stirring force.

Adam Shatz is the U.S. editor of The London Review of Books and the author of “ The Rebel’s Clinic : The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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    Essay Sample: If life ever evolved on any of the other planets, Mars is the likeliest candidate. After Earth, Mars is the planet with the most hospitable climate in the ... In addition, liquid water is the single environmental requirement thought to be essential for life. Mars still has water in the form of permafrost, water vapor, ice-soil ...

  21. Life on Mars Essay for students and Children

    Life on Mars Essay for Students and Children. Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system. The geographical features are to a certain extent analogous to our earth. Mars is the planet after the earth. Mars is also called the red planet due to the presence of iron oxide in it.

  22. Life On Mars Persuasive And Thesis Essay Example

    Short Essay on Life on Mars - Essay 1 (200 words) The existence of life on Mars has been a subject of study since more than a century. Scientists have been trying to collate evidences to figure out whether life has ever existed on this planet or is it inhabited with people presently or if there is any possibility of life on Mars in the future.

  23. Idaho Lake Deposits Could Give Scientists Insight Into Ancient Traces

    In 2021, the Mars Perseverance Rover landed on top of lake deposits in Mars' Jezero Crater. Jezero is a meteorite impact crater believed to have once been flooded with water and home to an ancient river delta. Microbial life may have lived in Jezero's crater lake, and their biomarkers might be found in lake bed sediments today.

  24. Essay on Life on Mars

    On Mars, water exists as ice, which is solid today. The planet's atmosphere also contains some of it as vapour. Researchers have tried to learn more about Mars through the use of telescopes, spacecraft, and rovers that can provide evidence of its condition and nature.

  25. NASA Mars Rover Captures Ingenuity Helicopter In Final Resting ...

    NASA's pioneering Mars helicopter Ingenuity took to the air for its final flight on January 18. The mini rotorcraft sustained damage to a rotor blade, bringing an end to an epic, overachieving ...

  26. The Sunday Read: 'The Unthinkable Mental Health Crisis That Shook a New

    A rising senior in the computer-science department who loved horticulture took his own life. This brought an intimation of disaster. One student suicide is a tragedy; two might be the beginning of ...

  27. Opinion

    The World Has Caught Up to Frantz Fanon. A mural of Frantz Fanon painted on a building in a suburb of Paris by Jean-Baptiste Colin. Laurent Grandguillot/REA, via Redux. Mr. Shatz is the U.S ...

  28. Essay: As Facebook turns 20, I have something to confess

    Published 5:00 AM EST, Sun February 4, 2024. Link Copied! CNN —. Facebook turns 20 years old today, and if you don't like it, I'm sure you have your reasons. The numerous scandals. The loss ...