Spectral signature reveals possible presence of life on Mars

[Ronin]

A very tentative analysis conducted by the Mars Pathfinder science team has revealed a spectral signature similar to that of chlorophyll in certain areas of the martian soil around the spacecraft landing sight. I must stress that these findings are very preliminary and a spectral signature similar to that of chlorophyll does not necessarily mean that chlorophyll is present in the soil. Of course, if this pans out, the indication is that simple plant-like organisms may be alive in the martian soil. Without a protective ozone layer, which Mars lacks, this would shed a whole new light (literally and figuratively) on the extreme conditions in which life may evolve and thrive.

BBC story

 

[Jesterhole]

This is the type of thing that excites me. If we ever do confirm that life has risen on another planet (or moon) here in our solar system, that means (to me) the universe is simply overflowing with life. And a lot of it probably has millions of years of an evolutionary head start. Wow!

-Drew

 

[StogusMaximus]

Originally posted by Jesterhole
This is the type of thing that excites me. If we ever do confirm that life has risen on another planet (or moon) here in our solar system, that means (to me) the universe is simply overflowing with life. And a lot of it probably has millions of years of an evolutionary head start. Wow!

-Drew

If God has put life on other planets, it will be His will if we discover it or not.

If there is life on other planets, it is exciting to think about how strong their faith is, and if they have done away with science.

 

[Ronin]

If there is life on other planets, it is exciting to think about how strong their faith is, and if they have done away with science.

This doesn't even make any sense.

 

[StogusMaximus]

It makes plenty of sence.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" Proverbs 3:5

If we rely totally on the Lord, we do not need our own understanding to survive.

Maybe the life on other planets have given themselves over completely to the Lord and do not need the crutch of science.

 

[ZiSunka]

If we ever do confirm that life has risen on another planet (or moon) here in our solar system, that means (to me) the universe is simply overflowing with life. And a lot of it probably has millions of years of an evolutionary head start.

Your statement doesn't follow reasoning. Just because life exists on another planet doesn't mean that it is necessarily older or has any kind of head start, does it?

 

[Jesterhole]

<<<Your statement doesn't follow reasoning. Just because life exists on another planet doesn't mean that it is necessarily older or has any kind of head start, does it?>>>

Maybe not YOUR reasoning, but it's makes perfect sense under a secular light. The universe is about 15 billion years old. Our solar system is estimated to be 5-6 billion years old. So life could have arisen in a solar system 5-10 billion years before ours. So, yes, it would have a heck of a head start.

Humans have done amazing things in the past 400 years, thanks exclusively to science. Just imagine what we will be able to accomplish in a thousand, or in a million.

-Drew

 

[Ronin]

Maybe the life on other planets have given themselves over completely to the Lord and do not need the crutch of science.

Oy Gevalt! If indeed there are photosynthetic organisms living in martian soil, they are

1. Undoubtedly simple in morphology since more complex structures would not survive the constant bombardment of solar UV.

2. It is unlikely that they would have nervous systems for the same reason given in (1). As such, they would not be able to reason and contemplate the existence of a deity invented by an ape-like species living on another world several astronomical units distant from Mars.

Really people, I am embarrassed for you. I have a few choice words for your science teachers. They utterly failed you.

 

[StogusMaximus]

You can be embarrassed for me all you like.

I stand strong in the Lord and I will continue to pray for you.

 

[Ronin]

Your statement doesn't follow reasoning. Just because life exists on another planet doesn't mean that it is necessarily older or has any kind of head start, does it?

This we don't know. Current estimates place the age of the solar system at ~4.5 billion years. There are strong indications that Mars once had a much denser atmosphere and flowing water on the surface. It is not inconceivable that life may have gained a toe hold in Martian environs prior to those on Earth but we will not be able to gain more insight into the question until much more extensive exploration is conducted of martian geology and soil chemistry.

 

[ZiSunka]

Maybe not YOUR reasoning, but it's makes perfect sense under a secular light. The universe is about 15 billion years old. Our solar system is estimated to be 5-6 billion years old. So life could have arisen in a solar system 5-10 billion years before ours. So, yes, it would have a heck of a head start.

I think the important difference between this and your first statement is that life COULD be older on other planets, but in your first statement you said it PROBABLY is older. You can't say for sure when that life, if any, originated, unless and until you encounter that life.

And with the limits that science currently has, you might not even know then. Carbon dating as we know it would only work on items originating on earth, since it depends on known ratios of the different isotopes of carbon. On other planets, those isotopes are likely to be in different ratios, thus rendering carbon dating useless until those ratios are quanitified with certainty.

 

[Ronin]

Carbon dating as we know it would only work on items originating on earth, since it depends on known ratios of the different isotopes of carbon. On other planets, those isotopes are likely to be in different ratios, thus rendering carbon dating useless until those ratios are quanitified with certainty.

Yes the age-old creationist stand-by....uncertainty exists in certain dating techniques so all dating techniques are assumed to be faulty and thrown out. Well it won't work this time. Why? The answer lies in sunlight. The sun is merely a fusion reactor which synthesizes helium and heavier elements from hydrogen. The solar spectra gives solar astronomers the current ratios of heavier element relative to hydrogen and the rate of conversion is also obtainable from net solar fluxes and the generation of exotic particles such as neutrinos. The solar system is ~4.5 billion years old because that is how long the sun has been effectively fusing hydrogen into helium. Of course you will refuse to read the journals and textbooks which investigate solar physics but that is to be anticipated. I could almost write the creationist rebuttal to this post - that is how predictable their arguments are.

 

[Received]

It matter not how old the earth is, it is not a rebuttal to creationism. There are too many Christians holding this like it is the only proof they have. Gap theory- check it out. The age of the earth is by no means a way of testing the validity of the Chrsitian God.

be blessed

John

 

[Gator76]

Carry on, Ronin. Why don't you just have the whole argument with yourself? Obviously, no one else could possibly be as intelligent as you... That is what you're saying, is it not? You believe in God? I wonder if He's impressed with your psychotic babble... You should try to teach Him quantum mechanics when (if) you see Him.

 

[StogusMaximus]

Gator76,

Let us show them the power of God's love, and not the faults of human anger. Please act as an example of Christ and refrain from the attacks.

I pray that God will use you as an instrument to reach and witness to the people on this board.

 

[solo66 man]

Amen!

Originally posted by StogusMaximus
It makes plenty of sence.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" Proverbs 3:5

If we rely totally on the Lord, we do not need our own understanding to survive.

Maybe the life on other planets have given themselves over completely to the Lord and do not need the crutch of science.

 

[Thinker]

Ronin -

Did you ever take a stab at the Drake Equation? When I run it, even allowing for the pessimism of more recent findings, I still wind up with intelligent races in this galaxy running into the thousands.

Hmm... thousands of alien races out there? Wonder what their thoughts on God might be...

 

[BioPooka]

It'd be funny if one day, we meet an alien race, and in trying to explain to them the idea of religion, gods anf aith we are met with nothing more than blank alien stares or thundering alien laughter.

On that day I will become an official Q'zar'ar'tan (the OBVIOUS name these Aliens will have).

 

[Ronin]

Carry on, Ronin. Why don't you just have the whole argument with yourself? Obviously, no one else could possibly be as intelligent as you... That is what you're saying, is it not? You believe in God? I wonder if He's impressed with your psychotic babble... You should try to teach Him quantum mechanics when (if) you see Him.

You are more than welcome to pose an argument that counters mine. I welcome it. Otherwise, there is little point this antagonism. My intent is to examine and discuss this issue...nothing more. If I have been blunt then I apologize. My style of discourse may appear hostile but, in reality, I am really amiable compared to my colleagues. I certainly am not an "expert" when it comes to any field of endeavor and fully recognize my limitations. In fact, I compare my intelligence to that of a container of low fat cottage cheese....well maybe a good quality cottage cheese.

 

[Ronin]

On that day I will become an official Q'zar'ar'tan (the OBVIOUS name these Aliens will have).

Oh so you are one them snobby Q'zar'ar'tan! Well Mr. Fancy Pants, I am 'Xnalt'to'qos! How do you like them apples?