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Article: Martian soil may be less hospitable for potential life than once believed
- Article from:
- The Hindustan Times
- Article date:
- August 5, 2008
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Report from Asian News International brought to you by HT Syndication.
Washington, Aug. 5 -- NASA's Phoenix spacecraft has detected the presence of a chemically reactive salt in the Martian soil, a finding that if confirmed could make it less friendly to potential life than once believed.
Scientists previously reported that the soil near Mars' north pole was similar to backyard gardens on Earth where plants such as asparagus, green beans and turnips could grow.
But, preliminary results from a second lab test found perchlorate, a highly oxidising salt, that would create a harsh environment.
On Earth, perchlorate is a natural and manmade contaminant sometimes found in soil and groundwater. ...