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USGS Astrogeology: Research: Publications: Science Magazine
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Proof for Water, Hints of Life?
Issue Date: 12/03/2004 |
Summary
Since 25 January of this year, NASA's Opportunity rover has been exploring Mars' Meridiani Planum, a smooth, flat plain that is unlike any feature studied by earlier martian landers. In his Perspective, Kargel discusses the insights into martian geochemistry and geology gained from the rover that are reported in 11 reports and research articles in this issue of Science. Together with observations from spacecraft that are currently orbiting the planet, the data provide an unprecedented glimpse into how water shaped the martian surface. The author cautions that Mars may never have been very Earth-like and that we must, until we learn otherwise, assume that life exists on Mars, in order to protect Earth and any species that might be present on Mars.
Author
Jeffrey S. Kargel
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact Jeff Kargel.
Related USGS Astrogeology Research Program Resources
Project: Mars Exploration Rovers - overview of the MER Mission and Astrogeology's involvement in the Microscopic Imager instrument
Topic: Mars Rover Missions - learn more about our involvement in MER
Topic: Mars - find our Mars related project, products, and mission involvement