GENERAL FACTS

VISITING MARS

SURACE OF MARS

MARS' ATMOSPHERE

INSIDE MARS

MARS' POLAR ICE CAPS

LIFE ON MARS

On August of 1996 a scientist announced the first identification of organic compounds in a Martian meteorite. The authors suggest that these compounds, along with a number of other mineral features observed in the rock may be evidence of ancient Martian bacteria. As exiting as it is, people should note that while this evidence is strong it does not mean that there is extraterrestrial life on Mars. There have also been a few contradictory studies published since the discovery of the fossilized bacteria. One should always remember extra ordinary claims require extra ordinary evidence. Much work remains to be done before we can say that this claim is real.

Large, but not global very week magnetic fields exist in various parts of Mars. Mars Global Surveyor discovered this surprising finding just days after entering the orbit. They are most likely remains of a earlier global field that has disappeared. This could have important implications for the structure of Mars' interior and for the history of its atmosphere and therefore the possibility of ancient life.