This Week in Space 177: Life on Mars?

You've heard the news about a possible detection of ancient life on Mars... now get the inside scoop from one of the paper's key authors. Dr. Michael Tice is a research scientist and planetary geologist at Texas A&M, and has a lot to say about how the research was pulled from the year-old drill sampling, the incredible rigor that was applied to their findings, and what's next in this amazing story. It's the one we've all been waiting for--a possible indication of life beyond our own planet!



Headlines:

• NASA's Interim Chief Declares Mission to Beat China Back to the Moon


• Starlink Satellite Photobombs Maxar Image of Secret Chinese Airbase


• James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Interstellar Jet "Flatulence"

Main Topic: Signs of Ancient Life Discovered on Mars by Perseverance

• Dr. Michael Tice Explains Potential Biosignatures in Jezero Crater


• Discovery of Unusual "Leopard Spots" Linked to Possible Microbial Activity


• Redox Reactions and Organics Suggest Favorable Conditions for Life


• Debate Between Biological and Abiotic Explanations for Findings


• Cutting-Edge Rover Instruments Push Detection Limits


• Challenges of Confirming Life Without Sample Return to Earth


• Future Work Needed: Sample Return Missions and Analogs on Earth


• Broader Reflections on Mars Science, Search for Life, and Technology Choices

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Michael Tice

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