Curiosity: no methane little chance of life on Mars - The New Republic

Curiosity drew a blank: the robot NASA found no trace of methane on Mars, which reduces the hopes of finding life on Mars

hopes of finding life on Mars was born from the observation of scientists: in 2003, for example, they measured a cloud of 19,000 tons of methane on Mars . A gas which is often a sign of biological activity.

is hopeful that Curiosity was sent to Mars in August 2012 . Except that after over a year of research, robot NASA has not confirmed these observations from the ground.

READ. Curiosity landed successfully on Mars (6 August 2012)

According to a study published in the journal Science Thursday, September 19, 2013 by the leaders of the mission, atmospheric measurements taken on site by a laser spectrometer indeed indicate a proportion of methane six times less .

Disappointment. For all those who dreamed of seeing little green men come true. For scientists infer that there is probably a biological activities .

It is possible that some methane statement is explained by the location of the robot is placed. But this is unlikely, says Christopher Webster, one of the leaders of the mission.

However, all hope is not totally lost. “This important result will help to redirect our efforts to examine the possibility of present life on Mars,” said Michael Meyer, head of the exploration at NASA. These results reduce the likelihood, “but it is there only one bacterial metabolism.” “We know that, on Earth, there are many micro-organisms that do not produce methane.”

Curiosity returns to Mount Sharp, which rises to a height of 5 km in the middle of Gale Crater, near the spot where he had landed. It will take several months to browse eight kilometers that separate this destination because it will analyze all other geological formations along its back.

548-lapse photography to illustrate the work of Curiosity (NASA)

READ. Greetings from Mars Curiosity signed (8 August 2012)

READ. With two high-tech cameras, the French are also on Mars (7 August 2012)

LISTEN. Mars observed Toulouse (7 August 2012)