Is Mars dead, or is it only sleeping?

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This is a shaded relief image derived from Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data which flew onboard the Mars Global Surveyor. The image shows Olympus Mons and the three Tharsis Montes volcanoes: Arsia Mons Pavonis Mons and Ascraeus Mons from southwest to ...
This is a shaded relief image derived from Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data, which flew onboard the Mars Global Surveyor. The image shows Olympus Mons and the three Tharsis Montes volcanoes: Arsia Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Ascraeus Mons from southwest to northeast. Credit: NASA

The surface of Mars is completely hostile to life as we know it. Martian deserts are blasted by radiation from the sun and space. The air is so thin, cold, and dry, if liquid water were present on the surface, it would freeze and boil at the same time. But there is evidence, like vast, dried up riverbeds, that Mars once was a warm and wet world that could have supported life. Are the best times over, at least for life, on Mars?


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All News summaries for October 17, 2007

Wolverine advocates give notice of intent to sue

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Nine environmental groups said Tuesday they plan to sue the federal government if wolverines aren't granted protection under the Endangered Species Act within 60 days.

Polar bear harassment by oil companies challenged

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Two conservation groups filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the Bush administration's decision to let oil companies unintentionally harass or harm polar bears and walruses off the northwestern ...

Developing economies don't back G-8 climate goal

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A joint gathering of major developed and developing nations on Wednesday agreed that climate change was "one of the great global challenges of our time" and pledged to back a United Nations effort ...

Satellite view of cloud tops might warn of storms brewing

Jul 08, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
For three years a new way to use data collected by NOAA weather satellites has been giving North Alabama short-term warnings of "pop-up" thunderstorms.

Station Crew Prepares for Thursday Spacewalk

Jul 08, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
The Expedition 17 crew of the International Space Station worked Tuesday towards completing preparations for a pair of spacewalks. They donned their spacesuits for a dry run and inspected hatch seals.
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