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The extraterrestrial life forms have always been a subject of total mystery for the, but the real interest in this issue only began 15 years ago, when scientists found traces of methane in the atmosphere of Mars, an organic molecule related to the existence of many living things, including us, humans.
Studies conducted for the analysis of the Mars atmosphere showed varying results with respect to the amount of methane found in the vicinity. Some studies have shown methane concentrations several times higher than standard concentrations, while in others they were non-existent. These results intrigued and an interdisciplinary team from the University of Aarhus decided to investigate a mechanism to remove methane from Mar's atmosphere.
Oscillation of Mars methane
Mars' methane production appears to be changing in other seasons, from about 0.24 parts per billion in the north during the cold season to about 0.65 parts per billion during the warm season. During this period, residual traces of methane were detected and periodically released at different locations.
A wide range of mechanisms have been suggested to explain the production and disappearance of methane during this period. For production, methane can be produced by biological (microbes) and non-biological processes through interactions with water, carbon dioxide and olivine rock. The removal process is a mystery to this day.
Martian life and methane
The team tried to use Mars-like minerals, such as basalt and plagioclase, which led them to conclude that during the erosion process, the solids could be oxidized and the ionized gases, showing that the ionized methane reacted and settled on the mineral surfaces.
The results showed the team that these subtle processes could be the cause of the elimination of Mars methane and its deposition in the soil.
The conclusion of these investigations will open the question in a new light, although another question is emerging: how to preserve organic materials in the Martian environment?
Andre Blair is the chief editor for Advocator.ca. He holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Public Health Sciences (MSPH) from the School of Public Health, Department of Health Administration, University of Carolina. North to Chapel Hill. André specializes in environmental health, but writes on a variety of topics.
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