In a mindf***er of all mindf***ers, the Phoenix Mars Lander has detected snow falling from clouds over Mars, NASA scientists said Tuesday. Coupled with other recent discoveries on Mars, we now know that life on Mars is at least a remote possibility. Klaatu is possible.
According to NASA, a laser-driven instrument collecting data on the interaction between the atmosphere and surface of Mars detected snow from clouds two and a half miles above the Lander's 
landing site. The snow vaporized before reaching the ground. . .not so surprising considering the climate.
"Nothing like this view has ever been seen on Mars," said Jim Whiteway, of York University, Toronto, lead scientist for the Canadian-supplied Meteorological Station on Phoenix. "We'll be looking for signs that the snow may even reach the ground."
Spacecraft soil experiments also have provided startling proof that minerals and liquid water have interacted in Mars (processes that routinely occur on Earth).
landing site. The snow vaporized before reaching the ground. . .not so surprising considering the climate."Nothing like this view has ever been seen on Mars," said Jim Whiteway, of York University, Toronto, lead scientist for the Canadian-supplied Meteorological Station on Phoenix. "We'll be looking for signs that the snow may even reach the ground."
Spacecraft soil experiments also have provided startling proof that minerals and liquid water have interacted in Mars (processes that routinely occur on Earth).
The Phoenix Lander touched down in the Martian arctic on May 25 this year. The data suggests the presence of calcium carbonate (e.g., chalk), and particles of what might be clay. Carbonates and clays on Earth form only with water in the mix.
"We have found carbonate," said William Boynton of the University of Arizona, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA). "This points toward episodes of interaction with water in the past." "We are still collecting data and have lots of analysis ahead, but we are making good progress on the big questions we set out for ourselves," said a Phoenix investigator, Peter Smith of the University of Arizona.
"The Phoenix lander started digging trenches into Martian soil after touching down near the planet's north pole on May 25, revealing a white substance that scientists said was ice in June. Scientists now want to examine whether that ice ever thaws to assess whether the environment has been favorable for life, a key aim of the mission."
"We have found carbonate," said William Boynton of the University of Arizona, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA). "This points toward episodes of interaction with water in the past." "We are still collecting data and have lots of analysis ahead, but we are making good progress on the big questions we set out for ourselves," said a Phoenix investigator, Peter Smith of the University of Arizona.
"The Phoenix lander started digging trenches into Martian soil after touching down near the planet's north pole on May 25, revealing a white substance that scientists said was ice in June. Scientists now want to examine whether that ice ever thaws to assess whether the environment has been favorable for life, a key aim of the mission."
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