NASA Mars press conference.

[VisibleGreen]

It is a shame that the atmosphere on Mars allows water to escape at such a fast rate because otherwise there would most probably be some type(s) of life on Mars.
As far as elements go, maybe there are no new ones on Mars but throughout the universe there are probably many new elements that humans are not aware of.

Maybe new energy forms too

 

[Teej]

They found the water evidence via spectrometer readings, so the spectra seemed to identify magnesium perchlorate and chlorate, and sodium perchlorate.

Not exactly what we see in earth's oceans as brine, but, then again, that's Mars Brine I suppose.



A hydrated salt of any type is at least confirmation that hydration was going on...hence the water.


If there is fresh water under the surface, glaciers, etc....as reservoirs....as Alan mentioned, that would really help with colonization efforts.

The brine itself could be harnessed to generate power too, and perchlorates tend to suck water from air.

A subterranean brine seep is more likely as a source, but, of course, there can be many sources...and paths of least resistance.

Given the temperatures on Mars, where these are being found...250º - 300º K, that's quite pleasant at the high end at least.



If there had been a salty sea, as the water evaporated, the salt concentrations (brine) WOULD tend to get progressively concentrated.

After a while, brine would be all that's left if allowed to continue.

The low end of the temperature spectrum would freeze the water and help prevent evaporation at least.


So, new ELEMENTS are highly unlikely, as we understand how elements are made...but new combinations, or what are normally rare combinations on earth, might be more common given the new conditions on Mars, etc.

There are microorganisms, such as halophiles, that could survive in that environment, so, if there were life in the sea before, its possible that its still there in some form.

 

[GSS]

Is it a coincidence that the new Matt Damon movie "Mars Rising" I think thats the name came out this almost exact same time as this discovery or perfectly planned promotion for the movie?

 

[Pi R Squared]

Is it a coincidence that the new Matt Damon movie "Mars Rising" I think thats the name came out this almost exact same time as this discovery or perfectly planned promotion for the movie?

The movie is titled "The Martian", yes it is coincidence, NASA isn't interested in promoting science fiction.

Alan

 

[ARG]

The movie is titled "The Martian", yes it is coincidence, NASA isn't interested in promoting science fiction.

They do enjoy watching it though, the ISS crew got an advanced screening of the movie
ISS astronauts treated to screening of 'The Martian' - CNET

 

[GSS]

They do enjoy watching it though, the ISS crew got an advanced screening of the movie
ISS astronauts treated to screening of 'The Martian' - CNET

I mean the "Martian" duh on me! I meant to say the movie studio:yabbem: Buy the way, Pi thanks for the link

 

[Laser Chick]

@ ARG
Thanks for the link, that was an interesting article to read

 

[styropyro]

You're talking about all the stuff we know .


There is always the possibility of the unknown isn't there? .

The elements are one of the things in science that we have a pretty darn good understanding of. A 129Xenon atom on Earth is the same as a 129Xenon atom in a different galaxy. Each element has it's own number of protons in the nucleus, and that is what gives its defining properties (and the neutrons too to some degree). This is why the periodic table is so powerful and in fact one of the greatest discoveries in science, we were able to predict the properties of the undiscovered elements by using the periodic trends of the known elements. In order to discover a new element, it would have to be past element 118, and theoretical studies show that these are likely to be extremely short lived.

I guess there is the extremely unlikely possibility that we'd discover an element in the so called superheavy "island of stability", but until then any new discoveries of elements will be made with some good old fashioned atom smashing in the lab.