"On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being impossible, 10 being definate, what is the chances of live being on a comet or asteroid."
-
Question
Why are scientists so interested in Mars?
Mars is the most likely other place in our solar system to support life. It is the nearest we have to a second "habitable" planet in our solar system, and in the distant past (3-4 billion years ago) it was even more hospitable, with thicker atmosphere, higher temperatures, and liquid water at the surface. Mars is also relatively close to Earth and therefore not too difficult to reach with spacecraft. It seems to be the most likely place to establish human settlements, if our species decides to leave the home planet. If you search "Ask an Astrobiologist" or the news stories on this website under "Mars", you will find many discussions of the possibility of finding life on Mars.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
August 15, 2003
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions
