Something Might Be Farting on Mars

Mars could be (or could have been) capable of supporting LIFE!

So what are we going to do about it?


Curiosity was launched on top of an Atlas 5 rocket, last week, on 11/26/11.Take a good look, because this is the what the future of NASA looks like!



I find this fascinating, especially the landing sequence.

It will take almost a year for it to travel to Mars.'; Then, it will

Precisely land at Gale Crater

Determine whether Mars could ever have supported life

Study the climate of Mars

Study the geology of Mars

Plan for a human mission to Mars

So, why Mars?

Well, several reasons. Mars has:

atmosphere and weather

water under the surface

caves, capable of sheltering life

methane in atmostphere

Yes, they think something might be passing gas or farting on Mars.


A six year study has been mapping the seasonal movements of the methane in the atmosphere. Methane is a chemical compound, and therefore, it must be created by some sort of chemical reaction on the planet. While it's most likely that it is being created geochemically by water mixing with rock, it could also be biological waste excreted from microbial life on Mars.

It's FREE!

I heard about today's Q on this week's episode of the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe. It's one of the most popular science podcasts on iTunes. It is, in no small part, responsible for my enthusiasm for science. They make it interesting and funny and understandable. And, just like all the podcasts in iTunes, it is absolutely FREE. I'm linking this because I am a fan. Download it. Get it right now!