What’s Behind the Martian Methane Thriller?

The differences due to the season of methane within the Martian environment is an intriguing clue that there could be life hiding below the floor of the purple planet. However we received’t know for positive till we go digging for it.

Hints of methane on Mars return all the best way to the Mariner missions of the Nineteen Seventies. However in 2013 NASA’s Curiosity rover noticed methane ranges round it rise to a number of occasions better than the background. A number of months later it dwindled and disappeared, solely to return once more. 

This Martian methane thriller poses an interesting challenge for scientists. On one hand, there are recognized chemical reactions that may take the molecules recognized to exist on Mars and switch them into methane. For instance, liquid water interacting with magnesium- and iron-rich rocks like olivine can oxidize them, which might produce pockets of hydrogen. This hydrogen can then react with the carbon dioxide within the Martian environment by the Fischer-Tropsch course of to supply methane. 

However whereas this state of affairs is comparatively easy, the satan is within the particulars. To ensure that this course of to work there have to be liquid water underground. And another mechanism wants to have the ability to take away the methane, or no less than make this course of cycle on and off each few months.

That opens up the likelihood for all times. We all know of types of life on Earth generally known as methanogens that don’t get their power from photosynthesis. As a substitute they basically eat hydrogen and produce methane as a byproduct. The benefit of utilizing life to elucidate the Martian methane thriller is that it could actually probably naturally introduce differences due to the season. When circumstances change below the Martian floor, for instance by the warming summer time months or cooling winter months, then the life can reply appropriately.

However whereas this speculation explains the seasonal variation, it doesn’t get round the truth that the Martian life would nonetheless want a supply of water to reside. Plus, we have now completely no proof for any life showing on Mars, even in its distant previous.

Thus far there is no such thing as a clear consensus as to what’s inflicting the differences due to the season of methane on Mars. The thought of life below the floor of the purple planet stays a tantalizing risk. The one method to reply that is to maintain sending missions again to Mars and begin digging.