Methane on Mars and evidence for recent volcanism. Two issues that support the possibility of life on Mars much to Gary's consternation and my excitement. I still contend the benefits of life on Mars as a driver for exploration outweigh the potential negatives of BD style hysteria as long as rational minds prevail.

1) Alien life is of interest to both the scientifically literate and many of the poorly educated and just plain ignorant as well as just plain normal folks. Finding life on Mars would increase public interest in it.

2) Finding life on Mars might create sample return hysteria, but that could help motivate human missions there and at any rate can be resolved through further hazard testing.

3) Life on Mars means terraforming's biological portion would have a much better starting point as would the use of genetic engineering for industrial purposes.

4) Active vulcanism means geothermal power is a real possibility which would greatly ease power supply issues in Martian exploration and colonization and yet another way in which Mars is vastly superior to the Moon as a second home for humanity.

Merry Christmas,
Mark