SCI/TECH: Images Show Ice on Mars

The European probe Mars Express which is currently orbiting the red planet has relayed images that may be a sea of ice. The location near the equator could possibly harbor life. The as yet unpublished photographs were taken last year by the probe. The NASA rovers have found evidence of water, but theorized that most of it had evaporated off.



This is a huge discovery and will no doubt assist in any venture to explore the planet. If hydrogen can be developed from the water, a potential energy source may be available to power exploration and possibly a return back to earth. The life angle is also very interesting as well. Where there is water there is life.

Uhh... dont we already know this and have seen this too? Is this just a newer image?

Originally posted by CmptrN3rd5
Uhh... dont we already know this and have seen this too? Is this just a newer image?

Not that I was aware of and the article is dated today and further states that the images have not been released. The NASA rovers were sent to look for signs of water and have found evidence, but actuall ice is a whole different thing.

Isnt there already pictures of the polar caps of mars? I assumed that they were covered in ice like earth, since they are white and such. I thought I read something about it too. Oh well, Im pretty stupid, therefore Im probably wrong.

Lol youre funny PD!

Originally posted by Terapin
Its such a shame that since this pic was taken LAST YEAR they still havent released it to the general public. I'll never understand why they hold back information but it is great to finaly learn of the good science comming out of the mission. I am all for further missions.

I believe they're publishing in Science or Nature. It usually takes a good year or so to prep a paper for one of those two journals, make it through peer review, revisions and final submission. They haven't been sitting on the data for a year. I'm guessing they've talked about it at conferences in the past year--its not like anyone was going to scoop them for the data because only one research team was getting that data I believe. But its not a conspiracy. Science takes time. You want to be careful, analyze the data correctly and not make mistakes. Some papers get fast-tracked, Science and Nature (and other journals) have early online articles to disseminate papers faster, but you can't expect someone to publish data as soon as they get it before analyzing it and putting it through peer review.

indeed, you better have that peer reviewed and try to debunk your own theory several times before you go public with huge statements like extraterrestrial water and possible life, your putting your scientific reputation at stake here.