A professor from the Technical University of Berlin claimed that NASA may have unknowingly destroyed possible life on the Red Planet during its Mars explorations in the 1970s. In the research conducted so far, no evidence has been found to definitively prove the existence of life on Mars. However, it is thought that results very close to traces of life in the soil were obtained, especially during the Viking missions.
Surprising Claim From Astrobiologist
Astrobiologist from the Technical University of Berlin Dirk Schulze-MakuchHe stated that there is a high probability of microbial life in the Martian soil, but the experiments used may negatively affect this life. In a commentary published in the journal Nature Astronomy, Schulze-Makuch stated that future life-searching missions on Mars should take the planet’s ecology more into account.
Effects of Viking Quests and Experiments
Landed on Mars in 1976 Viking 1 and Viking 2 vehicles, He conducted a series of experiments aimed at detecting biological signatures on the Red Planet. One of these experiments, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), detected chlorinated organic compounds.
At the time, it was thought that these compounds resulted from contamination of Martian soil with cleaning agents from Earth. However, today the view that these substances may be unique to Mars has gained ground. However, whether these compounds are formed through biological or abiotic processes is still a controversial issue.
Schulze-Makuch suggested that experiments conducted on the Viking missions may have accidentally destroyed microbial life in Martian soil. In particular, it was emphasized that experiments conducted by adding water to soil samples could negatively affect microorganisms adapted to the extremely arid environment of Mars.
Were Mars Microbes Accidentally Harmed?
Researches, Anthem It shows that life on its surface may have adapted to extremely arid conditions. Schulze-Makuch noted that the Viking experiments may have used methods that could harm these microbes. According to Science Alert news, Schulze-Makuch explained the situation with the following example: “This is like helping someone who is dying of thirst in the desert by suddenly dropping him into the middle of the ocean. “Such an approach could do more harm than save.”
Interestingly, in one of the Viking missions, the pyrolytic release experiment, stronger life signals were obtained in dry control tests without the addition of water. This raises the possibility that adding water may have had a negative effect on potential microbes.
New Methods and More Sensitive Approaches
Schulze-Makuch searches for life on Mars “following water marks” He argues that alternative approaches to the method should be developed. For example, he states that methods such as monitoring water-attracting salts and moist compounds may be more effective. He also states that 50 years after the Viking missions, a new life search mission should be organized on Mars with today’s advanced technology.
The Search for Life on Mars Continues
Data obtained from the Viking missions gave a different perspective to the search for life on Mars. However, a definitive conclusion has still not been reached. In the future, clearer information about the existence of life on Mars may be obtained through more sensitive and environmentally compatible methods. The secrets of the Red Planet continue to offer important clues for humanity.
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