Mars Water: Much Ado About Very Little

[Revmitchell]

In the search for life elsewhere in the universe, liquid water is the Holy Grail. Liquid water is absolutely essential for life, so in the estimation of many scientists, the presence of liquid water on another planet at the very least opens the door to the possibility of life there. While water is a common substance in the universe, the earth is the only place that we know for certain where liquid water exists. That is, until Monday, September 28, 2015, when NASA officials announced in a press conference the discovery of evidence of liquid water on the surface of Mars. Or, maybe not.

In a brief paper published the same day, a team of eight scientists claimed spectral evidence for hydrated salts in recurring slope lineae (RSL) on Mars. What are RSL? They are narrow, dark streaks on some slopes that appear in the Martian spring,intensify in summer, and then fade in autumn. Being very thin, RSL show up only in the highest resolution images of the Martian surface, such as those supplied by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (RSO).

RSL have been known for a few years. The most popular explanation for them has been that they are deposits left behind by brine solutions. That is, they are the result of the flow of liquid water, but there was no evidence of this. A major problem is that liquid water normally cannot exist on the Martian surface. The air pressure and temperature are so low on Mars that any liquid water rapidly boils or freezes. However, the presence of certain salts can simultaneously lower the temperature at which water freezes and raise the temperature at which water boils. With an increase in the temperature range at which liquid water can exist even in the very low pressure of the Martian atmosphere, it may be possible for minute amounts of liquid water to exist on the surface of Mars. Hydrated salts incorporate liquid water into their chemical structure.

https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/danny-faulkner/mars-water-much-ado-about-very-little/

 

[righteousdude2]

Here's what I believe .....

So what if there is water on Mars?! The fact is, God created this universe, and everything, including the planets and stars reflect Him and His handiwork, and that means that I never expect that there were not life forms of signs of life somewhere else in this infinite universe!

If there is water, or for that, even plants, and maybe little red men on Mars, it was and is all within the overwhelming, exhaustive plan of the Holy Father who placed everything in its place for a purpose!

 

[church mouse guy]

Here's what I believe .....

So what if there is water on Mars?! The fact is, God created this universe, and everything, including the planets and stars reflect Him and His handiwork, and that means that I never expect that there were not life forms of signs of life somewhere else in this infinite universe!

If there is water, or for that, even plants, and maybe little red men on Mars, it was and is all within the overwhelming, exhaustive plan of the Holy Father who placed everything in its place for a purpose!

Well, if they are running low on water on Mars, like California which sends all their water to the ocean, then Martians will have to become refugees and go to Europe or the United States, where welfare is generous.

 

[righteousdude2]

Well, if they are running low on water on Mars, like California which sends all their water to the ocean, then Martians will have to become refugees and go to Europe or the United States, where welfare is generous.

Well, they'd ( Martians) fit in here in Cali, they'd be "spaced out!"

 

[church mouse guy]

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

[Rolfe]

I would think that finding water on Mars would be beneficial were we to colonize it.

 

[HankD]

Hmm... Martians? They would not then come under Romans 5:12 or would they?

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned --

HankD

 

[Sapper Woody]

I would think that finding water on Mars would be beneficial were we to colonize it.

From what I gather, there is already water present on Mars, just not in its liquid state. For colonization purposes, we could melt the ice, or de-humidify the gas. I think the more pressing concern for colonization is the control of atmosphere, and the cost it would take to transport enough materials to even house a couple people.

All in all, I'd love to colonize Mars, just because it would be a fascinating attempt and experiment. Just one more step towards the Enterprise!