Study: No Oceans On Mars

[dArKeR]

(AP) Researchers say there is virtually no evidence of limestone formation on Mars, a finding that suggests the Red Planet never had oceans or seas. That conclusion, however, does not alter the possibility of life on Mars, experts say.

Philip Christensen of Arizona State University said that an instrument on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor that searched the entire planet for evidence of carbonate found only trace amounts of the limestone-like mineral.

The finding means it is unlikely that Mars ever had oceans of water as some scientists have suggested, he said.

"Maybe instead of calling them oceans, we should call them glaciers," said Christensen. "A frozen ocean will not form carbonate. I believe Mars has a lot of water, but it is cold and frozen most of the time. That is consistent with what we have seen."


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/21/tech/main569635.shtml

http://darker0darker.tripod.com/

[MercutioATC]

1. Europa, Europa, Europa!

Why aren't we going to Europa?

Lower escape velocity and we KNOW there's ice there. A great stepping off point for the rest of the solar system (and a decent chance of life, too).

[Maple]

2. And a darn good thing too

For awhile there the place was absolutely awash in the stuff

I was expecting flood warnings from Mars any minute!