From Mars

Did Life Exist On Mars?

Did Life Exist on Mars?

The debate rages on: Is there the possibility of the existence of life on Mars? The recent discovery of water in the polar ice caps would lend at least some hope to the probability of life on Mars. The rovers Spirit and Opportunity’s discovery of hematite lends further evidence of at least the existence of water, as hematite only forms in water. There have been a few discoveries of evidence of water on Mars, and water, of course, is the basic necessity for most all life to exist.. Hence, the probability exist that at least some form of microbial life does call the planet Mars home, but perhaps a better question to ask would be: “Was there life on Mars at some time in the distant past?”

A closer look at the bold features of Mars will give startling insight into the history of the Red Planet. First of all, Mars has at least 3 volcanoes that dwarf Earth’s Mt. Everest. Though these volcanoes are long extinct, they still remain a ‘smoking gun’ look into Mars’ past. Olympus Mons, thought to be the largest volcano in the Solar System, rises a whopping 15 miles above the planet’s surface. This volcano stretches beyond the limits of Mars’ atmosphere and reaches into space. Apply a little geological science as to the formation of volcanoes, and imagine how long it would take to form a volcano of this magnitude. How long would Olympus Mons and the other volcanoes have to erupt to become as large as they are? Now consider the fact that Mars has no molten core. If a series of volcanoes were to erupt to the point they form those of the size found on Mars, a planet’s molten core would eventually become depleted and the planet would basically turn itself inside out. The fact that the chief soil content on Mars is iron oxide (hence the color and name “Red Planet”) gives evidence to this possibility, as most planets’ molten cores consist of iron. Such a series of eruptions would surely devastate any planet and any life existing would become buried under miles of ash, dirt, and iron deposits.

Consider also the vast mountain and valley formations found on Mars. As the eruptions subsided, the planet would begin to cool and contract, contorting the land into great valleys such as Valles Marinaris and the other bold features found on Mars. The planet’s tectonic plate system would most likely have remained intact, so any features such as flood plains, ocean beds, lakes and river beds would have remained intact as well. After, say, a billion years of erosions from winds and dust storms, these features would emerge from their blanket of dirt and once again become evident.

Combine all of these facts, along with the fact that the atmosphere of Mars consists mainly of carbon dioxide, and it all lends to at least the possibility of a volcanic cataclysm on Mars. What kind of life could have existed before such an event? Would it have been Earth-like and resemble what we know today? Would it have been more like James Cameron’s Pandora (Avatar, c2010)? We may never know, but more advanced probes sent to Mars could reveal some startling clues into the Red Planet’s past. Did life exist on Mars? The thought gives us a feast for the imagination.

About the Author

Hello friends. I have always been somewhat of an open minded and “out there” kind of person. I like to look at things from, let’s say, unconventional points of views.  A lot of things can be learned and discovered if you just apply “outside the box” thinking. I am not afraid of a little controversy, I welcome it. My favorite thing to do is make connections that none would consider. Name any two objects, concepts, or other aspects, the more unlikely the better, and I will find a way to connect them. Go ahead, try me. I dare ya!

Ash – Girl From Mars (UK version)