Methane on Mars?

mbone writes "Two independent groups are claiming the detection of methane in the Martian atmosphere, one using the Mars Express orbiter, and the other using ground based telescopes. This detection, if confirmed, would be of great significance for the search of life on Mars, as Methane will not last long in the Martian atmosphere and thus must be renewed, presumably either by biological processes or by volcanic vents, which would be a good place for life to develop. The leader of the ground based astronomy team, Michael Mumma of the Goddard Space Flight Center, when asked if the methane was biological in origin, said 'I think it is, myself personally.'"

Comments

And if they find sulfur...

[andyrut]

...it will be indisputable evidence of living, farting Martian beings!

Actually, a couple of sources indicate that humans emit little or no methane when they pass gas.

Re:And if they find sulfur...

[Average_Joe_Sixpack]

Actually, a couple of sources indicate that humans emit little or no methane when they pass gas.

well I say 6 Bean burritos and a Zippo lighter will prove your sources wrong

Re:And if they find sulfur...

[prash_n_rao]

"humans emit little or no methane when they pass gas."

What are you talking about? Michael Mumma already admitted he did it. Reference: "The leader of the ground based astronomy team, Michael Mumma of the Goddard Space Flight Center, when asked if the methane was biological in origin, said 'I think it is myself, personally.'"

for want of a comma

[Anonymous Coward]

I think it is myself, personally

He who smelt it, dealt it. ...with an Earth-shattering Ka-boom!

Hi. I'm Troy McClure

[Anonymous Coward]

Hi. I'm Troy McClure. You might remember me from such Martian flatulence films as "The Baked Bean Crater" and "Angry Red Anus".

Re:When has he been to Mars?

[Imperator]

Actually, they found it on the smelloscope.