Water confirmed on Mars

[Hall]

See that NASA has confirmed ice on Mars. The rover was able to sample/ test a piece of ice mixed with soil. So where there is water there is the chance of life. Might only be microbes or bacteria, but it will be life not from Earth. Water Ice on Mars Confirmed (http://www.space.com/5686-water-ice-mars-confirmed.html)
Cheers Hall

[Mick_Marsh]

Viking tested samples on Mars. Their tests indicated life.
That was back in the '70s.
There is life on Mars.

[loanrangie]

Bowie asked that question 40 odd years ago.

[Ausfree]

"The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, he said"

War of the Worlds.

[Ausfree]

Viking tested samples on Mars. Their tests indicated life.
That was back in the '70s.
There is life on Mars.

Not quite true, several tests gave a negative result and one test gave a positive result, it is now thought that the positive result was a "false positive"!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_1

[Eevo]

Viking tested samples on Mars. Their tests indicated life.
That was back in the '70s.
There is life on Mars.

the test back then were really bad.

[Mick_Marsh]

Not quite true, several tests gave a negative result and one test gave a positive result, it is now thought that the positive result was a "false positive"!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_1

"Our (LR) experiment was a definite positive response for life, but a lot of people have claimed that it was a false positive for a variety of reasons." Most scientists now believe that the data were due to inorganic chemical reactions of the soil; however, this view may be changing after the recent discovery of near-surface ice near the Viking landing zone. Some scientists still believe the results were due to living reactions. No organic chemicals were found in the soil.
The arguments of those believing it to be a false positive are proving to be false.
The LR test was such a simple test that it put a few noses out of joint so the naysayers were quick to put it down.
The LR test was basically "if you fed the sample food and it farted it must be alive". So they fed the sample a sugar solution and CO2 was produced, therefore, there must have been some living organism converting the sugar to CO2.
Very simple test.

Since then, there have been other observations that indicate life. It's just that the life is so small, we need a microscope to see it.

[Ausfree]

Mick, there is still no DEFINITE proof of life on Mars, they strongly suspect there is but cannot come up with the proof that we need.:) I feel we are getting closer though.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/science/space/mars-life-liquid-water.html?_r=0

ps. Even this article doesn't say there is water on Mars it says they have "confirmed SIGNS (my capitals) of water on Mars"

[Roverlord off road spares]

They didn't find water on Mars, if they did a correct analysis of it it will show it's radiator coolant from a Land rover that was there before and had a coolant leak.

They'll probably find a puddle of engine oil also the more they explore.
As we all know Land Rovers were the first to explore new frontiers and open the way.:D

[Ausfree]

They didn't find water on Mars, if they did a correct analysis of it it will show it's radiator coolant from a Land rover that was there before and had a coolant leak.

They'll probably find a puddle of engine oil also the more they explore.
As we all know Land Rovers were the first to explore new frontiers and open the way.:D

If you look at the picture in the link in my above posting, I would say a whole fleet of LandRovers was parked on the top of that cliff by the looks of the marks down the cliff.:p

[Mick_Marsh]

Reading the news today:
Mars: NASA scientists answer questions on liquid water discovery during Reddit AMA - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/nasa-reddit-q-and-a-10-things/6811768)


How close are we to finding actual liquid water on Mars? - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/conversation3a-how-close-are-we-to-finding-actual-liquid-water/6812058)


Ask an expert: Five things we would need for people to go to Mars - Science - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-28/five-key-technologies-needed-to-get-people-to-mars/6802314)

[V8Ian]

It's life Jim, but not as we know it.

[Ausfree]

Reading the news today:
Mars: NASA scientists answer questions on liquid water discovery during Reddit AMA - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/nasa-reddit-q-and-a-10-things/6811768)


How close are we to finding actual liquid water on Mars? - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/conversation3a-how-close-are-we-to-finding-actual-liquid-water/6812058)


Ask an expert: Five things we would need for people to go to Mars - Science - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-28/five-key-technologies-needed-to-get-people-to-mars/6802314)

Interesting read Mick, thanks for that!!!:)

[Mick_Marsh]

Interesting read Mick, thanks for that!!!:)
As you can see, they have known for some time water is there, be it condensed from the atmosphere. This latest announcement is that they have found evidence of running water.
They are at the stage they really need to get feet on the ground.

[V8Ian]

It's life Jim, but not as we know it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vPWE2Ebz48

[Ausfree]

As you can see, they have known for some time water is there, be it condensed from the atmosphere. This latest announcement is that they have found evidence of running water.
They are at the stage they really need to get feet on the ground.

I'm afraid we will continue to disagree, most reports are ambiguous and from what I can see they have only found SIGNS of water on Mars, most encouraging signs, I must admit but I will continue to be cynical until they say "Yep, there it is proof there is a photo":) All we have seen are stains down the sides of a mountain.:)

[Mick_Marsh]

I'm afraid we will continue to disagree, most reports are ambiguous and from what I can see they have only found SIGNS of water on Mars, most encouraging signs, I must admit but I will continue to be cynical until they say "Yep, there it is proof there is a photo":) All we have seen are stains down the sides of a mountain.:)
And the photo is from 2008
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/36.jpg

[Ausfree]

And the photo is from 2008
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/36.jpg

Yep, condensation, you can get that in the Sahara Desert where there is no water. All that proves is that there is moisture in the Martian atmosphere. We are talking about water not atmospheric moisture. Mick, I agree we are almost there but in my opinion they have not got across the finish line just yet. Moisture and condensation are VERY encouraging signs.

[ramblingboy42]

What I like is the "liquid water"

Now , correct me if wrong....water IS liquid.

ice is not liquid , but it can be called frozen water.

steam is liquid and has no water atoms in it. but it has loose molecules.

so what are they trying to say they have on mars?

is it water or is it something else?

I think the journos may have lot to do with this.if it's ice it's not water and it cannot be steam.

I might ring Dr Karl on thurs and see what he says.

[Ausfree]

What I like is the "liquid water"

Now , correct me if wrong....water IS liquid.

ice is not liquid , but it can be called frozen water.

steam is liquid and has no water atoms in it. but it has loose molecules.

so what are they trying to say they have on mars?

is it water or is it something else?

I think the journos may have lot to do with this.if it's ice it's not water and it cannot be steam.

I might ring Dr Karl on thurs and see what he says.

That's my point, everything about the notification is ambiguous and I think you might be right, the journo's are prone to exaggeration as has been proved in the past.

[Eevo]

What I like is the "liquid water"

Now , correct me if wrong....water IS liquid.

ice is not liquid , but it can be called frozen water.

steam is liquid and has no water atoms in it. but it has loose molecules.

so what are they trying to say they have on mars?

is it water or is it something else?

I think the journos may have lot to do with this.if it's ice it's not water and it cannot be steam.

I might ring Dr Karl on thurs and see what he says.

H2O is water, regardless of its form.


on mars, the atmosphere pressure is below the triple point of water and so water goes from solid (ice) to gas (vapor) without being liquid in a process call sublimation

[mikehzz]

What I like is the "liquid water"

Now , correct me if wrong....water IS liquid.

ice is not liquid , but it can be called frozen water.

steam is liquid and has no water atoms in it. but it has loose molecules.

so what are they trying to say they have on mars?

is it water or is it something else?

I think the journos may have lot to do with this.if it's ice it's not water and it cannot be steam.

I might ring Dr Karl on thurs and see what he says.

Water atoms?? :D

[p38arover]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/2.jpg

[BMKal]

H2O is water, regardless of its form.


on mars, the atmosphere pressure is below the triple point of water and so water goes from solid (ice) to gas (vapor) without being liquid in a process call sublimation

Careful .................. it could be dihydrogen monoxide. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/271.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/1.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
image hosting over 5mb (http://postimage.org/)

[EastFreo]

Back in 1999 I had an awesome experience going out to a site near Marble Bar with the Geological Society of WA, some NASA scientists (including the head of its astrobiology unit which was tasked with finding life on Mars) and a TV film crew to retrieve what was then determined to be the oldest evidence of life on earth. 3.45 billion year old stromatolites.

Truly one of those exciting moments in your life. It was my first job (with what was then the Dept of Minerals and Energy) and there I was with some people that you would every now and then see on documentary or Discovery program.

It was all done under a veil of secrecy and then we unveiled them to the world when the fossilised stromatolites were unveiled at the WA Museum.

Anyway, here is an old media report. CNN - Australia fossil to help in search for life on Mars - September 3, 1999 (http://edition.cnn.com/TECH/space/9909/03/space.fossil/index.html?eref=sitesearch)

NASA was there because they were using the Pilbara and its geological record to help narrow down areas to search for life on Mars.

[ramblingboy42]

Wonderful stuff,

water has atoms doesn't it?

I wonder which astronaut would volunteer to go to mars.

A nine year journey, I wonder how much weight in 9 years food/water supply would need to be carried.

What would he do onboard for 9 years?How many times would he drink his recycled ****? ...errr urine....sorry, can't say **** just couldn't help that one.

Once he's had a look around , how does he get back?

[p38arover]

How many times would he drink his recycled ****? ...errr urine....sorry, can't say **** just couldn't help that one.

Once he's had a look around , how does he get back?

Needs an MSR Guardian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ1YIIBAF9w

[Mick_Marsh]

Wonderful stuff,

water has atoms doesn't it?

I wonder which astronaut would volunteer to go to mars.

A nine year journey, I wonder how much weight in 9 years food/water supply would need to be carried.

What would he do onboard for 9 years?How many times would he drink his recycled ****? ...errr urine....sorry, can't say **** just couldn't help that one.

Once he's had a look around , how does he get back?
It's two years to get to Mars.
There was a proposal to send a non returning mission to Mars. That is you would be colonising the planet. They had a list of thousands of volunteers.


Going to Mars to colonise the planet today has been compared to going to Australia to colonise the continent back in the late 1700's.


Americas plan for 2030 is for a five year mission to send people to Mars, spend a year there, and then return.
I reckon we can do it today but NASA are crossing Ts and dotting Is.
We just need the political will and it will be done.

[BathurstTom]

Well my Disco tdi300 has a range of about 800k's, now that we agree that there is water on Mars, what I really need to know is;
Where can I refuel?
Are there toilets there
Do I need to bring my own firewood?

:p

Tom.

[ramblingboy42]

It's two years to get to Mars.
There was a proposal to send a non returning mission to Mars. That is you would be colonising the planet. They had a list of thousands of volunteers.


Going to Mars to colonise the planet today has been compared to going to Australia to colonise the continent back in the late 1700's.


Americas plan for 2030 is for a five year mission to send people to Mars, spend a year there, and then return.
I reckon we can do it today but NASA are crossing Ts and dotting Is.
We just need the political will and it will be done.

oh? only two years...thats only say 700 meals.

dunno where I got 9yrs from.....

...in the year 2525....if man is still alive .....theres a song.

no Qlders will volunteer.....we can't stand cold weather.

[cuppabillytea]

Before you people get any big ideas, remember there will be no Land Rovers on Mars and it's a one way trip.

[Chucaro]

I rather the money was used to have clean drinking water here.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Pinelli]

There are probably other things that we could more easily sacrifice than science research to provide drinking water to the world.

In any case, I reckon that in the process of preparing for Mars, some of the research outcomes would likely be useful for purifying water for drinking purposes.

[Ausfree]

With all this talk about Mars, what an appropriate time to launch a movie. I have to go and see "The Martian" starring Matt Damon.:D

[Hall]

Does make you wonder. Especially if you are bit of a conspiracy theorist. The oh look every one water on Mars. Gee what a coincidence, just found this water and got every one focused on Mars and along come a movie of , well that's a surprise, Mars.
Cheers Hall

[BMKal]

Why not just ask this bloke ..................... https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/639.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/920.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
photo hosting (http://postimage.org/)

[cuppabillytea]

I rather the money was used to have clean drinking water here.

http://www.greenerhorn.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unclean-water.jpg
The lack of knowledge is the cause of the lack of clean drinking water.

[Ausfree]

Why not just ask this bloke ..................... https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/639.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/920.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
photo hosting (http://postimage.org/)

You're showing your age there, it's been a long time since I saw that bloke!!!:D

[Ausfree]

Just come back from seeing "The Martian", entertaining movie, Mrs Aus and I both enjoyed it, stretches believability a bit, but it is only a movie you go and see it for a bit of escapism. Incidently Matt Damon didn't find any water on Mars, he had to create his own.:whistling:

[Eevo]

Just come back from seeing "The Martian", entertaining movie, Mrs Aus and I both enjoyed it, stretches believability a bit, but it is only a movie you go and see it for a bit of escapism. Incidently Matt Damon didn't find any water on Mars, he had to create his own.:whistling:

i'm reading the book. the book is fantastic.

[V8Ian]

i'm reading the book. the book is fantastic.
Did he take McIver lessons? :D

[cuppabillytea]

No he took a leak. :eek:

[crackers]

No he took a leak. :eek:

Well NASA did say they'd found strange salts in gullies :angel:

[Vanja]

Nowadays all the news is around water on Mars :) Even in some Australian academic writing services I've read that primitive ocean on Mars held more water than Earth's Arctic Ocean. But I can't understand why people can't go there and make research. Why is forbidden?

[Ausfree]

Having soon the movie "The Martian" I got interested in more information on Mars and I borrowed a book from the local library called "Destination Mars" by Rod Pyle. Basically it gives a history of the exploration of Mars from the early 1960's onwards.

The book was published in 2012, so it is three years old and guess what, It mentions and indeed shows photo's of evidence ( note: "evidence", not actual photo's of water) of water on Mars. So the latest exhaltations in the press about "signs" of water on Mars are nothing new.:)

Destination Mars: New Explorations of the Red Planet: Amazon.co.uk: Rod Pyle: 9781616145897: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fuLKDNxmL.@@AMEPARAM@@41fuLKDNxmL

ps. It's a good read if you're interested in spacey stuff.