Chances of Finding Martian Life Improve.

The BBC posts a story today that shows promising news for some.

Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered carbonate rocks that were predicted by scientists. Previously they have been missing from our knowledge of Mars. Without them, our expectations of the early Martian environment were that it was too acidic for life (as we know it) to have enjoyed much chance of thriving.

The presence of these rocks show that there were areas of ancient Mars that were more amenable to life. Furthermore, it gives NASA, and any other Agencies involved in future Mars missions, a better location to search. Ironically, the location Nili Fossae recently lost out as the landing area for the next Mars Rover mission. Scientists at the AGU Fall Meeting 2008 are now thinking of revising that decision.

So much is happening over the past couple of years to really invigorate the public's interest in Astronomy and the search for proof of life elsewhere. Chandrayaan and the Mars Missions continue to keep me interested and hopeful. I thought I'd post this up to see what you guys think. I know it's not shattering news, but it gives us a much greater chance of narrowing down and discovering real evidence

If there wasn't life there before, there's definitely some there now! Please wash hands.