Scientists (Japanese) ready to search for life in Earth's mantle

[dArKeR]

Japanese scientists are to explore the center of the Earth. Using a giant drill ship launched next month, the researchers aim to be the first to punch a hole through the rocky crust that covers the planet and to reach the mantle.

The team wants to retrieve samples from the mantle, six miles down, to learn more about what triggers undersea earthquakes, such as the one off Sumatra that caused the devastating Asian tsunami on Dec. 26 last year. They hope to study the deep rocks and mud for records of past climate change and to see if the deepest regions of Earth could harbor life.

"One of the main purposes of doing this is finding deep bacteria within the ocean crust and upper mantle. We believe there has to be life there. It's the same mission as searching for life on Mars," said Asahiko Taira, director general of the Center for Deep Earth Exploration in Yokohama.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/06/05/2003258032

No money in America to fix the sidewaks or roads or schools let alone non defense science.

[Submariner]

1. I can feel the Godzilla and Rodan

comments coming now. I wonder if they will find the fire-breathing sabre-toothed jet propelled turtle when they dig? :rofl:

[eleny]

2. I've been refraining!

This is the Science Group, after all.

It's a fascinating endeavor. Two lines that struck me are:
""Humans have brought back lunar rocks to understand the universe, yet we have never reached the mantle which accounts for most of Earth," Kuramoto said.
~and~
"Sensors placed in the borehole could detect changes in strain, tilt and pressure in the ground miles below the surface."

It's been a while since I read the Taipei Times.

[dArKeR]

3. I'm starting to change my mind, leaning towards did we really go to the

moon? My grandfather swore we never did.

I saw a report by some semi-expert who said it was a fake too. He said on the first landing about taking over manual control would have been impossible in those old flight suits. He seemed convincing. Too bad the show didn't have the flight suits and ship to film a test.

Don't forget the Shuttle hasn't flown in what 5-6 years.

[eleny]

4. but i saw it live on tv!

[Igel]

6. Since January 2003.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/archives/index.html

[bemildred]

5. "Dark Life". Very cool. nt