Why does Mars have two "faces"?
Scientists have been racking their brains for decades trying to understand the reasons for the differences between the sides of the Red Planet. The northern hemisphere of Mars is flat, with an abundance of lowlands, almost smooth - one of the "flattest" places in the solar system. Presumably, this happened due to the fact that water once flowed here. But the southern part of Mars, uneven and pitted with large craters, is about 4-8 km above the northern side. Recent evidence suggests that such a difference between parts of the planet could be caused by the impact of a giant asteroid.
Where does methane come from on Mars?
Methane, the simplest organic molecule, was first discovered in 2003 by the European Space Agency's Mars Express. The source of methane on Earth is, in particular, cattle, rice fields, and forest fires. The stable presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere is roughly 300 years old, so what produced it there not long ago. However, leaving aside the assumptions about the Martian cows, we can consider the version of the non-biological origin of methane. For example, volcanic activity can be its source. In 2016, ESA plans to launch the ExoMars apparatus to the Red Planet, which is just supposed to find out the origin of the composition of the Martian atmosphere.
Does Mars have water?
There is a lot of evidence that liquid water was once present on Mars. However, the question remains: does it exist on the planet now? Atmospheric pressure on Mars is very low (about one hundredth of the Earth's) in order for water to flow on its surface. However, the dark, narrow lines on the Martian slopes hint that they may have streams of salt water in the spring.
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And the oceans?
Numerous missions have confirmed that the planet's climate was once quite warm and humid. This is supported by traces of possible oceans, hints of river deltas and polished, like water, minerals. However, the current model of Martian history cannot explain how the planet had such a warm climate at a time when the Sun was much weaker. There is even an opinion that Mars was once cold and wet. And all these footprints may have been created by wind or other natural phenomena.
Where are the Martian inhabitants hiding?
This is undoubtedly Martian mystery number one, dating back to the time when the Viking 1 of the American Space Agency landed on the surface of the planet (we add, in fairness, that the first landing on the planet was nevertheless carried out in 1971 by the USSR-created Mars-3 ). Viking then made the first and only serious attempt to find traces of life on Mars. Scientists are still discussing the results of these searches. The apparatus detected organic molecules: methyl chloride and dichloromethane. However, it was impossible to scientifically recognize them due to the contamination of the samples with terrestrial components - the cleaning liquid used on the ship even before it was sent to Mars. The general consensus is that the surface of the Red Planet is hostile to all life forms. Nevertheless,on Earth, in extreme conditions, some organisms feel pretty good. And if Mars once had water (and maybe there is now), the chances that there is life there increase.
Are there any Martian tracks in earthly life?
At one time, meteorites were discovered in Antarctica, which are believed by scientists to be of Martian origin. Recall that 34 of the more than 24 thousand meteorites found on Earth are considered Martian. By studying these meteorites, scientists have discovered microscopic structures that resemble traces of microbial colonies. And although the researchers later suggested the chemical, not biological, origin of the strange finds, the controversy around them continues to this day. The theory that life was brought to Earth by meteorites from Mars sounds too tempting.
Can humans live on Mars?
In 1969, NASA first planned to send a man to Mars in 1981 and establish the first colony there by 1988. The powers were overrated. As it turned out, the journey to Mars is a thorny one and comes with a number of problems: food, water and oxygen issues, the harmful effects of microgravity, potential hazards such as fire and radiation, and so on. But people do not lose heart. This year, six volunteers took part in the Mars 500 project, which simulates Martian conditions on Earth. Other volunteers are queuing up to travel to Mars. The only way to find out the exact answer to this question is to send people to the Red Planet. Which, we hope, will happen in the coming decades.
Rabe crater, 2012
Sunrise on Mars, 2005
Victoria Crater, 2009
Herschel crater dunes
Opportunity rover on the edge of Santa Maria crater
View from the rover Opportunity
Martian Shadows, 2012
Mount Elysium, 2009
Potential cyclical formations, 2009
Sand Devil Lines, 2009
Night Labyrinth Craters
