BAD NEWS
Methane Goes Missing on Mars
Methane gas is easy to detect and a sensitive indicator of biological activity. Based on previous observations, astronomers thought it was present in the Martian atmosphere. But a super-sensitive instrument aboard Curiosity found none at all.
NASA sent the beefy Curiosity rover to Mars to find out if the Red Planet is or ever has been a suitable place for life. Mission officials repeatedly stress that it's not looking for life, but even so some just-announced measurements have dealt a setback to the prospects for finding Martian lifeforms.
Methane gas is easy to detect and a sensitive indicator of biological activity. Based on previous observations, astronomers thought it was present in the Martian atmosphere. But a super-sensitive instrument aboard Curiosity found none at all.
NASA sent the beefy Curiosity rover to Mars to find out if the Red Planet is or ever has been a suitable place for life. Mission officials repeatedly stress that it's not looking for life, but even so some just-announced measurements have dealt a setback to the prospects for finding Martian lifeforms.
