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Space/Science » in reply to Hunt for life on Mars dealt another blow

How does this paper affect the hunt for life on Mars
BR Felix — (archived)

in any way?

There's been a good deal of hyperventilating in the various headlines and media reports of this 'discovery' of possibly flowing sublimating dry ice at high latitudes in springtime on Mars, but whether or not Nick has correctly interpreted these observations (and I think he is close), the presence or absence of CO2 flows at high latituded on Mars doesn't necessarily affect the hunt for life or the presence or absence of H2O in any phase anywhere on the planet.

It's good that liquid CO2 flows are not being invoked here. Whew!

But it would help to withhold judgement for a while longer. Nick is so bright and so insightful. I'm happy enough to let things develop further over time.

And I'll bet there's plenty of water all over Mars, and bet further that we've probably already seen a variety of life on the surface and we've seen the effects of biology that thrives underground -- but have been unable to recognize it.

Cheers, BR Felix

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