"Chosp" wrote in message
news:m8HSb.33431$F15.16016@fed1read06...

"Mike Morris" wrote in message
...

The whole basis of exploring Mars is to find if life
did once exist there. Lets cut all the bull about
interesting geology and photos; no-one really
gives a toss.

With 100% certainty, you are mistaken.

You are completely ignoring what makes us human,
and what has driven us into space exploration.
Its about mans need to know whether we are alone
or not in this universe. Finding even one microorganism
on Mars, will change the way we look at ourselves,
and our evoloution.

That is not to say that there are no other purposes
to exploring Mars. But the fact remains that if they
did find life, or signs of ancient life, it will drive
exploration forward within our solar system.


We pay attention to this information
because we think that it could give indications as to
the biological viability on Mars.

Some do. Some don't.

Most do, and if you dont then I think you are
pretty unusual in that sense.


This whole saga has got me thinking about the Viking
findings. Many of the scientists on that project still to
this day claim they found biology.

Many?

Well, atleast 2 or 3 that I have seen write articles.


So we have to
wonder why NASA might be motivated to put a
pessimistic light on their Viking findings.

The answer is all about money and future funding.
Is this honest science?

You seem to be implying that NASA has secretly confirmed
that life exists on Mars and are keeping this information
suppressed to keep their funding.


No, I never said that. I'm saying that they are
taking their time about implementing the kind of mission
that could give us a definitve answer.


Frankly, you would have to be out of your mind to think
that if NASA announced they had confirmed the
existence of life on Mars - that there would not be
a massive increase in funding. It is inconceivable
that they would suppress such knowledge in the
hope of increasing or maintaining funding. This
is an argument only a troll would use.

Well, your last comment could be right, as I agree
that finding life would invigorate more missions.

However, I find that accusing me of being a troll
is pretty pathetic. You may not agree with me but
that is uncalled for.