The Wide Angle: Life on Mars?

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Show Me the Methane

mars methane ground seep heat microbe life alien

One explanation for the concentrated plumes: pockets of methane are being heated by geologic activity. Once hot, the gas escapes from the ground into the atmosphere. Whether the methane is derived from life or not is uncertain.

Jan. 15, 2009 - What do cows and Mars have in common? Methane gas plumes, of course.

NASA announced the discovery of concentrated methane seeping out of the Red Planet today, leading planetary scientists to wonder: Is past or present alien life responsible?

Here at this Discovery Space Wide Angle, we'll take you behind the news to give you all you want to know -- and then some -- about this exciting extraterrestrial find.

News: Mars to NASA: Forget Water, Follow the Methane
Why the discovery of isolated sources of methane on the Red Planet will prompt NASA to rethink its course.
News: Mars Methane Raises Possibility of Life
Methane plumes discovered on Mars create an exciting case for alien life.
Top 10: False Alarms for Evidence of Alien Life
History is rife with false conclusions about extraterrestrial existence. Get our top 10 picks right here.
Video: Top 5 Cases for Martian Life
Mars is cold, dry and desolate, but it might support life. James Williams gives you the five most compelling reasons why.
Video: Why? Tell Me Why! - Methane on Mars
Why are plumes of methane on the Red Planet raising scientists' eyebrows? Kasey-Dee Gardner investigates.
My Take: Exploring Mars? Part of Human Destiny
Peter Smith, leader of the Phoenix Mars Lander, makes the case for poking around the Red Planet.
Blog: Mars Methane Mystery
'Cosmic' Ray Villard catches a whiff of the Mars methane news months ahead of time.
HowStuffWorks: Life on Mars?
Is life possible on Mars? HowStuffWorks.com explains.
Science Channel: Is There New Life on Mars?
Don't miss the Science Channel's TV special.

Discuss Mars, methane, alien life and more at the Space Disco Blog.

Got something to say? E-mail your questions, comments and concerns to discoveryspace@discovery.com.

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The Wide Angle: Life on Mars?

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Show Me the Methane

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