Harina Mahara
B.Sc. 4th Semester
Kailali Multiple Campus, Dhangadhi, Kailali, Nepal
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system. Also it is the second smallest planet in the solar system. The possibility of life on Mars has aroused the interest of scientists for many years. A major reason for this interest is due to similarity and proximity of the mars to earth. Mars certainly gives some indication of the possibility of life.
Mars was much warmer in the past than it is currently. Most noteworthy, warm temperature and water are two major requirements for life to exists. So, there is high possibility that previously there was life on mars. Plant life would be “pinned down” because of the atmospheric pressure. Within the canals of Mars, the search for Martian vegetation continues. Furthermore, Goldsmith had found oxygen and water vapour on Mars. There is abundant evidence that Mars has “volcanism tectonism”. Scientists believe that there are volcanoes, wind related movement of material, ice and water related geology. The average surface temperature of Mars is only about -53 degree Celsius which is substantially below the freezing point of water. Water is said to be abundant on the Mars away from the polar caps however liquid water is not stable on Mars. Although temperature can occasionally rise above the melting point, liquid water from melting ice would quickly evaporates into the atmosphere. In addition, liquid water is the single environmental requirement thought to be essential for life.
All animals and plants cannot survive on Mars in extremely harsh weather conditions. The other major problem is the gravity of the Mars. The gravity is 38% of that of the earth. Low gravity may cause health issues. Another problem is temperature of Mars is much cooler than earth. In conclusion, scientists are still spending time to find evidence of life on Mars. The question of life on Mars is still unanswered. But with ongoing research and future missions’ scientists may soon find the answer.