Mars Has Quite A Lot Of Methane In Its Atmosphere Too

The presence of gaseous methane in Mars' atmosphere is another fascinating fact. Methane has also been utilized, like water, as a potential sign of the existence of past or present life on a planet.

The Mariner 9 mission discovered methane in the atmosphere for the first time in 1971, and subsequent telescopic studies have subsequently documented radically varying methane levels over the years. Few spacecraft have been created to date with the ability to specifically probe for the element. However, the Curiosity Rover has noticed increases in methane in the region, and the cause is still mostly unknown.

Methane often forms on Earth as a consequence of microbial activity and human cultivation. However, geological processes like volcanism can also result in the production of methane. This is believed to be a more likely source for the gas given the abundance of volcanoes on the surface of Mars (particularly the huge Olympus Mons).

Even if it turns out that methane is not produced biologically, this is still excellent news for people because it will be a resource for future Mars colonists. In fact, companies like SpaceX intend to use it and Mar's plentiful water supply to aid in the production of commodities like fuel.