By National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Life Sciences, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Space Studies Board, Committee on an Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars
3 contemporary advancements have significantly elevated curiosity within the look for existence on Mars. the 1st is new information regarding the Martian surroundings together with proof of a watery earlier and the potential of atmospheric methane. the second one is the potential for microbial viability on Mars. ultimately, the imaginative and prescient for area Exploration initiative integrated an specific directive to go looking for the facts of existence on Mars. those medical and political advancements led NASA to request the NRC's counsel in formulating an up to date built-in astrobiology procedure for Mars exploration. between different themes, this document offers a overview of present wisdom approximately attainable existence on Mars; an astrobiological evaluation of present Mars missions; a overview of Mars-mission planetary safety; and findings and proposals. The record notes that the best raise in figuring out of Mars will come from the gathering and go back to Earth of a well-chosen suite of Martian floor fabrics.
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Extra resources for An Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars
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Many of the “microfossils”were observed to have branched morphologies inconsistent with filamentous bacteria. Schopf countered that the specimens are not branched, but folded by later deformations. In revisiting the collection site, Brasier et al. also determined that the Apex chert itself was not a sedimentary deposit, but instead was a vein formed by hydrothermal activity. Brasier et al. argued that the “microfossils” are merely bits of carbonaceous matter, unrelated to life, and squeezed out of forming quartz crystals and wrapped around them to resemble microfossils.
