Methanogenesis and Extra-terrestrial Life
The presence of atmospheric methane has a role in the scientific search for extra-terrestrial life. The argument being that methane in the atmosphere will eventually dissipate, unless something is replenishing it. This can be detected (by using a spectrometer for example) then that means there is, or relatively recently was, life present. This was debated when methane was discovered in the Martian atmosphere by M.J. Mumma of NASA's Goddard Flight Center, and verified by the Mars Express Orbiter (2004) and in Titan's atmosphere by the Huygens probe (2005). It is also argued that atmospheric methane can come from volcanoes or other fissures in the planet's crust and that without an Isotopic signature it is difficult to say what exactly was the origin.
Read more about this topic: Methanogenesis
Famous quotes containing the word life:
“Don’t tell me that you have exhausted Life. When a man says that, one knows that life has exhausted him.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)