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Article: Soil sample from Marshas Earth-like qualities
- Article from:
- Winnipeg Free Press
- Article date:
- June 27, 2008
- Author:
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Copyright informationCopyright F.P. Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership Jun 27, 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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By Alicia Chang
LOS ANGELES -- Scientists say the Phoenix lander's first taste test of soil near the north pole of Mars reveals a briny environment similar to what can be found in backyards on Earth.
The finding raises hope that the Martian arctic plains could have conditions favourable for primitive life.
Phoenix landed a month ago to study the habitability of Mars' northern latitudes.
So far, it has not detected organic carbon considered an essential building block of life.
But last week, the lander found evidence of ice below the soil.
Scientists generally agree that liquid water, a stable energy source and organic, or carbon-containing, compounds are required for a habitable zone.
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