Slashdot Mirror
Martian Methane May Come From Rocks
An anonymous reader writes "When methane was found in the Martian atmosphere last year, some scientists thought this was indirect evidence of methane-producing bacteria. But minerals such as olivine can create methane in a process known as serpentinization. Geologists calculated that a global, 50-centimetre-thick layer of olivine could account for the methane. One geologist said, 'I'd love to see bugs, but you can't just go on hope. You have to consider the geological options.' Other scientists are unsure whether methane on Mars even exists."
"Cows on Mars." *dunh dunh dunnnhhh*
Look, if a cow can jump over the Moon, it's not much of a stretch to think they can get to Mars. Getting out of the Earth's gravity well is most of the challenge, really.
Maybe that layer is planet wide, and part of a larger living organism that will one day be calling us ugly bags of mostly water.
Well someone had to say it...
alek writes "When methane was found in the Terrestial atmosphere last year, some scientists thought this was indirect evidence of methane-producing bacteria. But animals such as bovines can create methane in a process known as breaking wind. Animalogists calculated that a global herd of 50,000 bovines could account for the methane. One animalogist said, 'I'd love to see udders, but you can't just go on hope. You have to consider the back-end options.' Other scientists are unsure whether methane on Earth even comes from cows."
Hulk SMASH Celiac Disease
my pet rock was also very flatulent
Well, hell a 50cm layer of olivine covering a whole goddamn planet is totally feasible.
I wonder why they didn't think of that before?
You are in a twisty maze of processor lines, all alike.
There is a lot of hype here.
Other scientists are unsure whether methane on Mars even exists.
While many philosophers are unsure whether Mars exists at all, or if it's just a figment of thier imagination.
"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons!"
Did anyone else read "50 centemetre layer of olvaltine?"
comes from Uranus. [ducks]
Yeah, but re-entry is a bitch. How well do you like your steaks done? ^_^
Please help metamoderate.
"ARR! ARRR! This dictionary is edited by the section of Lexigography and Language studies. The Nynorsk Dictionary is published by The Norwegian Society."
Somehow, doesn't seem like the kind of thing a ferocious viking would say, now does it?