New findings on the salty pockets of Mars may not allow alien life to exist. Scientists’ modeled atmosphere reveals that Mar’s environment is too extreme for life to survive.
Recently, the researchers created the latest Martian modeled atmosphere to better understand the environment of the planet. Salty water pocket on Mars is common however there is no evidence that alien life is able to thrive. Furthermore, scientists want to better understand if the salty water provides the right living conditions, to understand if it’s habitable.
For years, scientists worked on the idea that people on earth might one day colonize Mars, however, the new findings would make it impossible to inhabit the red planet. The search for life on Mars is not a new idea since scientists have been studying the planet for alien life.
Mars has a cold and extreme dry environment
Scientists found out that the water on Mars’ surface can sustain life. However, the environment is either too cold or too hot for water to remain in the surface. Water would immediately freeze or evaporate because of the harsh environment condition.
Researchers discover a huge lake of salt water buried beneath the Martian landscape. Life could be next https://t.co/KLzZJg2x1T pic.twitter.com/MljPBgTOOj
— National Post (@nationalpost) July 26, 2018
Moreover, researchers explained that if Mars contains salt, then it would make the water to remain in the atmosphere. Salt would make water evaporate more slowly. At the same time, it would produce a lower freezing point.
Furthermore, the red planet also has a harsh radiation environment which is a big problem for earth people to take.
Brines are common but prevents the existence of life
Brines are found commonly on Mars’ surface and can host alien life. However, Alejandro Soto, senior research scientist at the Southwest Research Institute believes otherwise. He argued,
“Even extreme life on Earth has its limits, and we found that brine formation from some salts can lead to liquid water over 40% of the Martian surface but only seasonally, during 2% of the Martian year.”
Furthermore, the brines would never get warmer than 48 degrees celsius, which is 25 degrees below the known tolerance for life on Earth.
HAPPENING NOW: NASA announces evidence of water on Mars, latest sign that could support life http://t.co/8prnPmuD5Y pic.twitter.com/1BdshgCGAf
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) September 28, 2015
Future explorations may not be useful
The new findings of the scientists provide concrete evidence that life may not be possible in Mars. It would also be difficult for life on earth to travel on missions to Mars without disrupting its ecosystem.
The harsh environment of Mars would instantly wipe out life. Scientists also asserted that the travel mission to Mars would certainly pose a threat if habitation is the goal. Furthermore, contamination of other worlds is also a possibility.
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