When NASA sent two rovers to Mars they were not quite sure what all they would find. What they ended up finding far exceeded expectations and has proven that the possible foundations for life do exist on other planets.
The scientists were eventually able to conclude that cloud formations do form on the planet and they can, in fact, make it snow on Mars. Scientists were able to observe this phenomenon using the LIDAR instrument (Light Detection and Ranging).
"But the really amazing data came from the LIDAR instrument, which was able to track the formation of the clouds at the atmosphere's boundary layer. Cloud formation became more pronounced as the summer gradually faded and the atmosphere cooled at night, and the scientists were eventually able to detect cirrus-like clouds as they dropped ?tilted vertical sheets' of ice particles back to the surface of the planet. In short, they watched it snow."
Scientists have been able to conclude that Mars does have an active water cycle on the planet but it is presumed that the cycle is dying as the planet appears to have had, at one point, flowing rivers.
What this all means to us is that the possibility for life outside of our planet, while remote, is completely possible. At some point, man may have to leave this planet, and this new discovery of liquid water greatly increases the odds of longer-term human survival.
Having water elsewhere is of no surprise to me at all, it isn't like it originated on Earth.
Also finding life on other worlds or signs of extinct life I don't think would be rare outside of our back yard, i.e.; our solar system. However since NASA and other space agencies can't warp to another star having solid proof will be difficult so whatever they're doing now may sound fascinating, however it's all speculation. Until there's a sample sitting under a microscope that wasn't found on the Earth and therefore couldn't be contaminated by being on the Earth they're going to have a hard time proving life is or was elsewhere - especially if we remember back in the 90's when they thought they had found the prior existence of life on Mars - the only problem the sample was found on the Earth.
I know there is more life out there; maybe not in our galaxy, but I'm pretty sure there's life in the other thousands, and thousands of other galaxies that exist.
Intresting. I have sat in on LiDAR presentations at my job. Its practical application as it applies to me, is they use it for surveying and scouting jobs in The Northern Canadian Oil field.
Basically a plane flies over a parcel of land shoots trillions of laser beams each of which has a Lat and Long, elevation. These points can be complied into whatever you want really. Here they use it to build 3 dimensional fly thrus of an area for particular clients to view rather then actually sending themsevles, surveys crews, helicopters etc etc out into the middle of northern nowhere. FLy thrus look great. Complete with trees provided they are taller then one meter! Kinda looks like early Digital animated shorts.
also makes google earths' topo view look like Fisher Price tom foolery.
Intresting stuff. Its really taken the whole geomatic game to a new level. But you'll never ever replace conventianl surveying with LiDAR. Nothing beats the human touch lol.
Having water elsewhere is of no surprise to me at all, it isn't like it originated on Earth.
Also finding life on other worlds or signs of extinct life I don't think would be rare outside of our back yard, i.e.; our solar system. However since NASA and other space agencies can't warp to another star having solid proof will be difficult so whatever they're doing now may sound fascinating, however it's all speculation. Until there's a sample sitting under a microscope that wasn't found on the Earth and therefore couldn't be contaminated by being on the Earth they're going to have a hard time proving life is or was elsewhere - especially if we remember back in the 90's when they thought they had found the prior existence of life on Mars - the only problem the sample was found on the Earth.
Ever read Deception Point by Dan Brown?
I think they proved bacteria exist on one of saturns moons? I dont recall.