The probe confirms methane gas on Mars

Results of data analysis from the Curiosity autonomous device showed an increase in methane concentration in the Martian atmosphere, which may be a sign of microbial life on the planet.

New discovery about Mars

Curiosity self-propelled device on Mars.(Photo: NASA)

According to detailed analysis results from laser spectroscopy, methane concentration increased 10 times compared to the baseline level. Over 600 days of scanning, the device increased this concentration for 60 days. This is considered a sign of microbial life on the red planet.

" The result answers to the question of the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere, but it raises a number of complex questions and needs to be studied in more depth, such as the nature of this gas, " IB Times yesterday quoted Francisco Javier Martín-Torres, expert of the Earth Science Research Institute, said. Another problem is related to the evolution of methane in the atmosphere after being released.

Researchers believe that methanogenesis, the formation of methane gas from methanogen bacteria, may be the source of methane gas on the Martian atmosphere.

Since the telescope at Mauna Kea Observatory for the first time announced the discovery of methane on the red planet, several methods of determining gas have been conducted, using equipment from Earth and space satellites. Astronomers believe that methane on Mars can last about 300 years.
Curiosity self-propelled devices landed on the Sharp mountain area of ​​Mars in August 2012. Shortly thereafter, it obtained evidence of the chemical composition and environmental conditions needed to support microbial life on the red planet.