Life in the Pits

Dunes on Mars   (Photo by NASA/JPL/University of Arizona)

Scientists have discovered large pits on Mars where suspected dunes once stood.  These have been dubbed “ghost dunes,” which certainly sounds more romantic than “large pits.”

In any event, alien life may exist within these pits.  Planetary geomorphologist Mackenzie Day points out that “dunes on Earth can support life, and dunes on Earth are very similar to dunes on Mars.”  Even their pits. Perhaps especially so.

We’re not talking little green men, but rather little green (gray? purple?) microbes.  These would have been protected from Mars’ heavy doses of radiation by the former dunes.  They may now be preserved within said pits, just a dig away from discovery. 

Resources

https://www.space.com/41143-martian-ghost-dunes-signs-ancient-life.html 

Copyright July 15, 2018 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved