At least, that’s what NASA scientists speculate.
Chemical analysis from the Phoenix lander indicates that the Martian soil is alkaline (slightly basic) with a pH between 8 and 9. Further, the soil released both water and carbon dioxide vapor when baked in an oven, indicating that it had once interacted with water at some level.
It’s interesting to speculate that with an influx of water and a slight thickening of the atmosphere that plant life, especially if adapted to harsh conditions, might thrive on Mars…or might be thriving there now in some unexplored crater.
![Let’s Kill Hitler [HD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hESmStH-L._SL160_.jpg)
The fact that it “might” support life isn’t as fascinating as “why it isn’t”.
It will be awesome if we find out it is supporting life, but I’m skeptical.
What conditions would be required for Mars to retain a breathable atmosphere (assuming that enough plant life was available to supply the oxygen)? If there is polar water ice, and evidence that there was once surface water, what are the chances of subsurface water?
I bet there would be subsurface water on Mars if whitey hadn’t stolen it to water his lawn.
To employ the urban vernacular… “Oh, snap!”
Pete you are going to minority hell for that one…