Since ancient times, Mars attracts the eyes of researchers. Science fiction writers have repeatedly described different forms of life on the Red Planet, suggesting the existence of developed civilizations there. By now it has become clear that in the current Martian conditions, intelligent life comparable to the earthly life is absent on this planet. But scientists continue to search for evidence of the existence of simple life forms on Mars.
American researchers re-analyzed data obtained in 1976 by the Martian Viking station. A study of the planet’s soil makes it highly probable that bacteria live on Mars. The results of previous experiments conducted in the 70s of the last century were interpreted incorrectly, experts from the University of Southern California say.
The program, in which Viking participated, provided for a series of experiments to detect microorganisms in Martian soil. A positive result was obtained, expressed, for example, in a temporary increase in the proportion of carbon dioxide released when soil samples were placed in a nutrient medium. Previously, they preferred to interpret this fact as the result of the action of geological rather than biological factors.
The new approach made it possible to turn the data obtained by the Viking into a set of numbers, which was analyzed for complexity. The main idea of the new experiment was to consider the results from a numerical point of view, since living systems are more complex.
As a result, an exact correspondence was found between the numerical series related to Mars soil samples and terrestrial data sets. Scientists believe that a high degree of orderliness of indicators is characteristic of biological processes. Of course, only a real observation of Martian bacteria under a microscope can finally put an end to this matter.
Astronomers of the European Space Agency went even further, believing that life on Mars is possible not only in the form of primitive bacteria. In photographs taken using ESA devices, scientists examined the branched systems of underground tunnels resulting from volcanic activity. Volcanoes that ceased to erupt millions of years ago formed unique shelters where water could accumulate. It is in these shelters that one should look for more developed forms of life, experts say. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to verify the calculations of scientists.
