Mars: Methane in Rocks Hints at Possibility of Life on the Red Planet

A team of researchers have discovered traces of methane in meteorites from Mars. The new findings could be a huge clue in the hunt for life on the Red Planet.

"One of the most exciting developments in the exploration of Mars has been the suggestion of methane in the Martian atmosphere," said John Parnell, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Recent and forthcoming missions by NASA and the European Space Agency, respectively, are looking at this; however, it is so far unclear where the methane comes from, and even whether it is really there. However, our research provides a strong indication that rocks on Mars contain a large reservoir of methane."

In this latest study, the researchers examined six samples from six meteorites of volcanic rock that originated on Mars. The meteorites contained gases in the same proportion and with the same isotopic composition as the Martian atmosphere. All six samples also contained methane.

"Other researchers will be keen to replicate these findings using alternative measurement tools and techniques," said Sean McMahon, co-author of the new study. "Our findings will likely be used by astrobiologists in models and experiments aimed at understanding whether life could survive below the surface of Mars today."

It's certainly possible that methane could be used as a food source by rudimentary forms of life beneath the Martian surface. And even if Martian methane doesn't directly feed microbes, it could signal the presence of a warm, wet, chemically reactive environment where life could survive.

Of course, more research needs to be conducted before scientists can definitively say whether or not life could exist on Mars. In the meantime, though, this is certainly a step forward in the search.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.

Related Stories

Was Mars' Ancient Climate  Icy and Cold or Warm and Wet?

Martian Glass May Reveal Evidence of Past, Ancient Life on the Red Planet

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).