HAVE they found poo on the Red Planet?

[tinrobot]

NASA's next small step may be into Martian manure

HAVE they found poo on the Red Planet?

Space websites around the world are abuzz with speculation about what NASA's latest Mars probe may have found.

<snip>

Asked to speculate yesterday on what it may have now found, Dr Clarke said the instrument was designed, among other things, to spot dissolved ammonium and nitrate salts.

"On Earth, if you have a lot of ammonium and nitrate it usually means there is organic activity. We excrete it as waste and other organisms use it."

High volumes of such chemistry in a river could point to effluent run-off from a farm. While not life itself, "it could be a sign of biology. Ammonium nitrate is a fertiliser and if present might indicate greater habitability," Dr Clarke said.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/science/nasas-next-small-step-may-be-into-martian-manure/2008/08/04/1217701947632.html

[Ian David]

1. THIS quote is going to be taken out of content and twisted by some...

High volumes of such chemistry in a river could point to effluent run-off from a farm. While not life itself, "it could be a sign of biology. Ammonium nitrate is a fertiliser and if present might indicate greater habitability," Dr Clarke said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/science/nasas-next-small-step-may-be-into-martian-manure/2008/08/04/1217701947632.html


In any case, this is FANTASTIC news, and I eagerly await further information and evidence!

[phantom power]

2. Even for exobiologists using spaceprobes on Mars...

It all comes down to poo.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. So they've got both oxidized, and reduced nitrogen.

Interesting.

[struggle4progress]

4. "Of course, everyone would be looking for poo. Nobody wants to find me," said eeyore

[tinrobot]

5. The first image

[Bolo Boffin]

6. Mr. Hankee, the Martian Poo

He needs antenna.