3 ms·

Correct me if I'm wrong, but NASA was pretty clear that they did NOT find signs of life - that the methane could be from decomposed organisms, but just as easil

Correct me if I'm wrong, but NASA was pretty clear that they did NOT find signs of life - that the methane could be from decomposed organisms, but just as easily from other sources. It was exciting to find the methane, no doubt, but this title is maybe a bit misleading? Edit: Source: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4413 http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4413 Edit 2: previous discussion, still on the HN home page: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4413 http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4413 Edit 3: I really do hope they do find signs of life on Mars - it would be so insanely course-altering for humanity. Maybe this is the first step in that direction. But it's not life yet, NY Times...

michaelfeathers 12y ago
Indications of life on Mars have been found nearly as many times as Voyager has left the solar system.
VLM 12y ago
Its interesting they're not talking about the shape of the curve. That likely means its not strongly indicative either way. If its "water hitting rocks" then you'd expect a curve with a linear to declining rate during the rise. If its microbial action then you'd expect a curve showing characteristics of reproducing microbes, like an increasing growth rate within "reasonable" biological reproduction limits. We can measure way outside reasonable biological reproduction limits. One problem with "water hitting rocks" is mars has a lot of rocks and less water every year so why they're still outgassing today is a bit mysterious.
talmand 12y ago
I don't find the title misleading as the possibility still exists until we somehow rule it out. The story does point out towards the beginning that finding organic anything doesn't necessarily mean life, past or present. The NY Times story more or less supports your statement.

michaelfeathers 12y ago

Indications of life on Mars have been found nearly as many times as Voyager has left the solar system.

VLM 12y ago

Its interesting they're not talking about the shape of the curve. That likely means its not strongly indicative either way. If its "water hitting rocks" then you'd expect a curve with a linear to declining rate during the rise. If its microbial action then you'd expect a curve showing characteristics of reproducing microbes, like an increasing growth rate within "reasonable" biological reproduction limits. We can measure way outside reasonable biological reproduction limits. One problem with "water hitting rocks" is mars has a lot of rocks and less water every year so why they're still outgassing today is a bit mysterious.

talmand 12y ago

I don't find the title misleading as the possibility still exists until we somehow rule it out. The story does point out towards the beginning that finding organic anything doesn't necessarily mean life, past or present. The NY Times story more or less supports your statement.