Mars may be more Mars-like than Earth-like after corrosive chemical found

William Atkins
Tuesday, 05 August 2008 20:18

Science - Space

The WCL indicated the presence of perclorate when it mixed Martial soil with a water-based solution containing several reagents. Twenty-six sensors then analyze the presence (or absence) of such elements as chloride, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, and compounds such as perchlorate, along with their pH (level of acidity or alkalinity) and other chemical characteristics.

According to the NASA news release, Peter Smith, the principal investigator of the Phoenix mission, stated, “This is surprising since an earlier TEGA measurement of surface materials was consistent with but not conclusive of the presence of perchlorate."

Smith adds, "We are committed to following a rigorous scientific process. While we have not completed our process on these soil samples, we have very interesting intermediate results. Initial MECA analyses suggested Earth-like soil. Further analysis has revealed un-Earthlike aspects of the soil chemistry."

Currently, Phoenix scientists are analyzing the data to discount any contamination of the Mars spacecraft with Earth-based materials that may contain perchlorate.

Barry Goldstein, project manager with Phoenix, states, "When surprising results are found, we want to review and assure our extensive pre-launch contamination control processes covered this potential.”

NASA will be analyzing all of its data to determine whether perchlorate is native to Mars or brought to the planet by Earth-made spacecraft, such as the Phoenix Mars Lander. A conference is planned for Tuesday, August 5, 2008, to discuss more on whether Mars has a likely or unlikely chance to contain past and/or present forms of primitive life, and whether it is more “Mars-like” or “Earth-like.”

More information on the Phoenix Mars Lander mission is found at http://www.nasa.gov/phoenix and http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu.