Why does Mars never contain life?
Why is Mars arid while the earth is full of life?
Mars, which is often referred to as the “red planet”, has a dry and uninhabitable surface, while the earth has become a home for a rapidly growing life. This question has sparked a lot of scientific research, especially after Rover NASA found important clues about the history of the planet.
The discoveries of NASA’s Rover provide new insights into how Mars differs from Earth. Although there used to be rivers and lakes on Mars, this planet eventually became a desert that did not support life. One of the main factors is the inability of Mars to maintain sufficient temperature for liquid water.
Search for signs of life
Many scientists believe that Mars may have had conditions suitable for life. However, one of the most important things—liquid water—is not available in sufficient quantities. The red surface of Mars indicates traces of ancient rivers and lakes, indicating that water once flowed there.
Currently, rover such as Curiosity and Perseverance are looking for evidence of past life. Earlier this year, Curiosity discovered rocks rich in carbonate minerals. This carbonate can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in rock. This is important because it helps explain the difference between Mars and Earth.
difference with earth
Recent studies published in the journal Nature Shows that the presence of carbonate rocks on Mars can change our understanding of the history of the planet. Edwin Kite, a planetary scientist from the University of Chicago and a member of the Curiosity team, explained that although there are points that are suitable for life, these oases are only an exception to the general rules.
On Earth, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere helps heat the planet. In a very long time, carbon is trapped in rocks such as carbonates. The volcanic eruption then releases the gas back into the atmosphere, creating a balanced climate cycle. On Mars, this process is not running efficiently because of the lower volcanic gas output rate. As a result, the Red Planet is much cooler and less friendly to life.
Scientists are trying to find life support
According to the research model, a short period of liquid water on Mars is followed by 100 million years of the barren desert. This very long time makes it difficult for life to survive. However, there is still hope that liquid water bags may be hidden beneath the surface of Mars.
NASA’s Rover Perseverance, which landed in the ancient delta of Mars in 2021, also found signs of carbonate on the shores of the lake that had dried up. Scientists hope to find more evidence of the presence of carbonates in the future.
KITE stated that the best proof is to send a sample of rock from Mars back to Earth. Both the United States and China are competing to do this in the next decade.
Why is the surface of the planet Mars red?
The red color of the surface of Mars is related to the iron oxide formed through the oxidation process. This process occurs when the ferrous metal on the surface reacts with oxygen and water, forming a compound that gives the Martian soil a red color.
Astronauts on Mars will age faster
One of the other challenges for humans who want to live on Mars is the effects of cosmic radiation. Because Mars does not have a strong magnetic field like Earth, astronauts will be exposed to higher radiation, which can affect health and speed up the aging process. This is the main focus in research on space exploration.
