Martian soil samples analyzed by the Phoenix ingredients to develop some form of life scientists said on Thursday charged with the mission. These samples tested by Phoenix, which also confirmed the presence of ice in the Martian soil, are much more alkaline than previously thought, scientists said in a telephone news conference from Tucson, Arizona. There are still many unanswered questions about the true composition of Martian soil "We basically found what appear to be the requirements, the nutrients to support life, past or present" on Mars, said Sam Kounaves, one of the scientists. "We are shocked by the data we have received. It's the kind of soil that one would find in the backyard, very alkaline.
"You could grow asparagus in it," he said. "There is nothing in it that could exclude the possibility of life. Rather, it appears to be very friendly," he added.
magnesium, sodium, potassium and other elements
The analysis of samples by the chemical laboratory of the spacecraft also found the presence of magnesium, sodium, potassium and other elements added. However, Kounaves noted that analysis of other samples needed to accurately determine whether all the necessary items. "There are still many unanswered questions about the true composition of Martian soil, "said David Paige, a scientist at the University of California.
But apart from the existence of water, the ship has not yet confirmed the presence of carbon, the other crucial element to develop some sort of life as we know it on Earth. The NASA spacecraft down near the Martian north pole on 25 May after a 10-month journey to the planet. The main purpose of his mission is whether in the distant past the planet housed, besides water, organic elements that could lead to a kind of life.
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