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Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Life on Mars

Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews, 2019

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colon... more Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense environment of space, and may survive ejection from Earth following meteor strikes, ejection from the stratosphere and mesosphere via solar winds, and sterilization of Mars-bound spacecraft; whereas simulations studies have shown that prokaryotes, fungi and lichens survive in simulated Martian environments-findings which support the hypothesis life may have been repeatedly transferred from Earth to Mars. Four independent investigators have reported what appears to be fungi and lichens on the Martian surface, whereas a fifth investigator reported what may be cyanobacteria. In another study, a statistically significant majority of 70 experts, after examining Martian specimens photographed by NASA, identified and agreed fungi, basidiomycota ("puffballs"), and lichens may have colonized Mars. Fifteen specimens resembling and identified as "puffballs" were photographed emerging from the ground over a three day period. It is possible these latter specimens are hematite and what appears to be "growth" is due to a strong wind which uncovered these specimens-an explanation which cannot account for before and after photos of what appears to be masses of fungi growing atop and within the Mars rovers. Terrestrial hematite is in part fashioned and cemented together by prokaryotes and fungi, and thus Martian hematite may also be evidence of biology. Three independent research teams have identified sediments on Mars resembling stromatolites and outcroppings having micro meso and macro characteristics typical of terrestrial microbialites constructed by cyanobacteria. Quantitative morphological analysis determined these latter specimens are statistically and physically similar to terrestrial stromatolites. Reports of water, biological residue discovered in Martian meteor ALH84001, the seasonal waning and waxing of atmospheric and ground level Martian methane which on Earth is 90% due to biology and plant growth and decay, and results from the 1976 Mars Viking Labeled Release Experiments indicating biological activity, also support the hypothesis that Mars was, and is, a living planet. Nevertheless, much of the evidence remains circumstantial and unverified, and the possibility of life on Mars remains an open question.

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Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Life on Mars

Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews, 2019

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colon... more Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense environment of space, and may survive ejection from Earth following meteor strikes, ejection from the stratosphere and mesosphere via solar winds, and sterilization of Mars-bound spacecraft; whereas simulations studies have shown that prokaryotes, fungi and lichens survive in simulated Martian environments-findings which support the hypothesis life may have been repeatedly transferred from Earth to Mars. Four independent investigators have reported what appears to be fungi and lichens on the Martian surface, whereas a fifth investigator reported what may be cyanobacteria. In another study, a statistically significant majority of 70 experts, after examining Martian specimens photographed by NASA, identified and agreed fungi, basidiomycota ("puffballs"), and lichens may have colonized Mars. Fifteen specimens resembling and identified as "puffballs" were photographed emerging from the ground over a three day period. It is possible these latter specimens are hematite and what appears to be "growth" is due to a strong wind which uncovered these specimens-an explanation which cannot account for before and after photos of what appears to be masses of fungi growing atop and within the Mars rovers. Terrestrial hematite is in part fashioned and cemented together by prokaryotes and fungi, and thus Martian hematite may also be evidence of biology. Three independent research teams have identified sediments on Mars resembling stromatolites and outcroppings having micro meso and macro characteristics typical of terrestrial microbialites constructed by cyanobacteria. Quantitative morphological analysis determined these latter specimens are statistically and physically similar to terrestrial stromatolites. Reports of water, biological residue discovered in Martian meteor ALH84001, the seasonal waning and waxing of atmospheric and ground level Martian methane which on Earth is 90% due to biology and plant growth and decay, and results from the 1976 Mars Viking Labeled Release Experiments indicating biological activity, also support the hypothesis that Mars was, and is, a living planet. Nevertheless, much of the evidence remains circumstantial and unverified, and the possibility of life on Mars remains an open question.

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Research paper thumbnail of Sterilization Failure and Fungal Contamination of Mars and NASA's Mars Rovers

Fungi have colonized highly radioactive environments, can survive in space and outside the Space ... more Fungi have colonized highly radioactive environments, can survive in space and outside the Space Stations as well as under simulated Mars-like environmental conditions. Fungi and bacteria have also survived sterilization of Mars-bound equipment and space craft which has raised the possibility that these and other organisms may have been repeatedly transported not just to the space stations, but to Mars from Earth attached to NASA's Mars rovers. Analyses of photos taken by the Mars Rovers Curiosity and Opportunity confirmed this prediction and revealed what appears to be numerous colonies and masses of black fungi growing atop the Rover decks where they are exposed to high levels of radiation, and white fungi within the interior of the Rover Curiosity wheel wells which have suffered severe damage and biodeterioration despite having been driven less than 10 miles in 5 years. Additional evidence, based on fluctuations in Martian methane levels, positive results from NASA's Mars Viking life detection experiments, and the statistically significant consensus of 40 experts in fungi and 30 experts in geomorphology and mineralogy, also indicates a high probability fungi and other organisms have successfully colonized Mars and that fungi and bacteria from Earth were transported to the Red Planet due to sterilization failure.

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Research paper thumbnail of Contamination and Damage to the Mars Rovers by Martian Fungi and Bacteria

It is well established that chemoautotrophs and Earthly fungi can contaminate and corrode metals,... more It is well established that chemoautotrophs and Earthly fungi can contaminate and corrode metals, plastics, aluminum, and a variety of other substances. Fungi growing on the outside of the Russian Mir spacecraft were discovered to be corroding and destroying even the titanium windows, and rapidly multiplying. In May of 2016, it was reported that 40 Biologists with an expertise in fungus or lichens, had reached a consensus supporting a low to high probability of life on Mars, as based on an examination of specimens photographed by the rover teams (Joseph 2016). The results were statistically significant, and the majority of experts identified the Martian specimens as fungi. Coupled with the findings from the 1970s Mars Viking experiments and the discoveries of biological residue in three Martian meteorites in the 1990s by Mckay et al, it was predicted that NASA's Mars rovers may be contaminated with Martian bacteria and destructive Martian fungi. An examination of photos taken of the Mars rovers' decks and wheel wells supports this prediction. Martian bacteria and fungi have severely damaged the Rover Curiosity's aluminum wheels despite being driven for less than 10 miles across the Martian surface, and to have infiltrated the upper deck of the rovers Curiosity and Opportunity. The possible catastrophic consequences of transporting these Martian organisms to Earth, are detailed.

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Research paper thumbnail of A High Probability of Life Mars: The Consensus of 70 Experts in Fungi, Lichens, Geomorphology, Mineralogy

Seventy experts in fungi, lichens, mineralogy or geomorphology, formed a statistically significan... more Seventy experts in fungi, lichens, mineralogy or geomorphology, formed a statistically significant consensus that fungi are growing on Mars. Specifically, 30 Geologists identified by their universities as experts in mineralogy or geomorphology, and 40 Biologists with an expertise in fungus or lichens, examined 30 photos, 5 from Earth and 25 from Mars which depicted specimens previously judged to resemble fungi. Scientists closely examined and rated these photos on a 1 to 4 scale as to the likelihood of life: 1=No. 2=33% Probability. 3=66% Probability. 4=Yes. The majority agreed there is a 33% to 100% probability that specimens on Mars, photographed by NASA's rover Curiosity, are living organisms. A Fisher Exact Test analyses indicates that Biologists (p = <0.0001) and Geologists (p = <0.0001) formed a statistically significant consensus for seven different specimens. Moreover, Biologists identified these specimens as "fungi" "mushrooms", "puffballs" and "Basidiomycota," and further noted that these specimens were growing out of the ground and shedding spores. This data is also consistent with the results from the Viking Labeled Release studies and the waxing and waning of ground level methane in the Gale Crater, in the same general vicinity of where most of these organisms were photographed by NASA. The evidence presented here, supports the likelihood that fungi have colonized Mars.

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Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Life on Mars

Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews, 2019

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colon... more Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense environment of space, and may survive ejection from Earth following meteor strikes, ejection from the stratosphere and mesosphere via solar winds, and sterilization of Mars-bound spacecraft; whereas simulations studies have shown that prokaryotes, fungi and lichens survive in simulated Martian environments-findings which support the hypothesis life may have been repeatedly transferred from Earth to Mars. Four independent investigators have reported what appears to be fungi and lichens on the Martian surface, whereas a fifth investigator reported what may be cyanobacteria. In another study, a statistically significant majority of 70 experts, after examining Martian specimens photographed by NASA, identified and agreed fungi, basidiomycota ("puffballs"), and lichens may have colonized Mars. Fifteen specimens resembling and identified as "puffballs" were photographed emerging from the ground over a three day period. It is possible these latter specimens are hematite and what appears to be "growth" is due to a strong wind which uncovered these specimens-an explanation which cannot account for before and after photos of what appears to be masses of fungi growing atop and within the Mars rovers. Terrestrial hematite is in part fashioned and cemented together by prokaryotes and fungi, and thus Martian hematite may also be evidence of biology. Three independent research teams have identified sediments on Mars resembling stromatolites and outcroppings having micro meso and macro characteristics typical of terrestrial microbialites constructed by cyanobacteria. Quantitative morphological analysis determined these latter specimens are statistically and physically similar to terrestrial stromatolites. Reports of water, biological residue discovered in Martian meteor ALH84001, the seasonal waning and waxing of atmospheric and ground level Martian methane which on Earth is 90% due to biology and plant growth and decay, and results from the 1976 Mars Viking Labeled Release Experiments indicating biological activity, also support the hypothesis that Mars was, and is, a living planet. Nevertheless, much of the evidence remains circumstantial and unverified, and the possibility of life on Mars remains an open question.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Life on Mars

Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews, 2019

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colon... more Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense environment of space, and may survive ejection from Earth following meteor strikes, ejection from the stratosphere and mesosphere via solar winds, and sterilization of Mars-bound spacecraft; whereas simulations studies have shown that prokaryotes, fungi and lichens survive in simulated Martian environments-findings which support the hypothesis life may have been repeatedly transferred from Earth to Mars. Four independent investigators have reported what appears to be fungi and lichens on the Martian surface, whereas a fifth investigator reported what may be cyanobacteria. In another study, a statistically significant majority of 70 experts, after examining Martian specimens photographed by NASA, identified and agreed fungi, basidiomycota ("puffballs"), and lichens may have colonized Mars. Fifteen specimens resembling and identified as "puffballs" were photographed emerging from the ground over a three day period. It is possible these latter specimens are hematite and what appears to be "growth" is due to a strong wind which uncovered these specimens-an explanation which cannot account for before and after photos of what appears to be masses of fungi growing atop and within the Mars rovers. Terrestrial hematite is in part fashioned and cemented together by prokaryotes and fungi, and thus Martian hematite may also be evidence of biology. Three independent research teams have identified sediments on Mars resembling stromatolites and outcroppings having micro meso and macro characteristics typical of terrestrial microbialites constructed by cyanobacteria. Quantitative morphological analysis determined these latter specimens are statistically and physically similar to terrestrial stromatolites. Reports of water, biological residue discovered in Martian meteor ALH84001, the seasonal waning and waxing of atmospheric and ground level Martian methane which on Earth is 90% due to biology and plant growth and decay, and results from the 1976 Mars Viking Labeled Release Experiments indicating biological activity, also support the hypothesis that Mars was, and is, a living planet. Nevertheless, much of the evidence remains circumstantial and unverified, and the possibility of life on Mars remains an open question.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Sterilization Failure and Fungal Contamination of Mars and NASA's Mars Rovers

Fungi have colonized highly radioactive environments, can survive in space and outside the Space ... more Fungi have colonized highly radioactive environments, can survive in space and outside the Space Stations as well as under simulated Mars-like environmental conditions. Fungi and bacteria have also survived sterilization of Mars-bound equipment and space craft which has raised the possibility that these and other organisms may have been repeatedly transported not just to the space stations, but to Mars from Earth attached to NASA's Mars rovers. Analyses of photos taken by the Mars Rovers Curiosity and Opportunity confirmed this prediction and revealed what appears to be numerous colonies and masses of black fungi growing atop the Rover decks where they are exposed to high levels of radiation, and white fungi within the interior of the Rover Curiosity wheel wells which have suffered severe damage and biodeterioration despite having been driven less than 10 miles in 5 years. Additional evidence, based on fluctuations in Martian methane levels, positive results from NASA's Mars Viking life detection experiments, and the statistically significant consensus of 40 experts in fungi and 30 experts in geomorphology and mineralogy, also indicates a high probability fungi and other organisms have successfully colonized Mars and that fungi and bacteria from Earth were transported to the Red Planet due to sterilization failure.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination and Damage to the Mars Rovers by Martian Fungi and Bacteria

It is well established that chemoautotrophs and Earthly fungi can contaminate and corrode metals,... more It is well established that chemoautotrophs and Earthly fungi can contaminate and corrode metals, plastics, aluminum, and a variety of other substances. Fungi growing on the outside of the Russian Mir spacecraft were discovered to be corroding and destroying even the titanium windows, and rapidly multiplying. In May of 2016, it was reported that 40 Biologists with an expertise in fungus or lichens, had reached a consensus supporting a low to high probability of life on Mars, as based on an examination of specimens photographed by the rover teams (Joseph 2016). The results were statistically significant, and the majority of experts identified the Martian specimens as fungi. Coupled with the findings from the 1970s Mars Viking experiments and the discoveries of biological residue in three Martian meteorites in the 1990s by Mckay et al, it was predicted that NASA's Mars rovers may be contaminated with Martian bacteria and destructive Martian fungi. An examination of photos taken of the Mars rovers' decks and wheel wells supports this prediction. Martian bacteria and fungi have severely damaged the Rover Curiosity's aluminum wheels despite being driven for less than 10 miles across the Martian surface, and to have infiltrated the upper deck of the rovers Curiosity and Opportunity. The possible catastrophic consequences of transporting these Martian organisms to Earth, are detailed.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of A High Probability of Life Mars: The Consensus of 70 Experts in Fungi, Lichens, Geomorphology, Mineralogy

Seventy experts in fungi, lichens, mineralogy or geomorphology, formed a statistically significan... more Seventy experts in fungi, lichens, mineralogy or geomorphology, formed a statistically significant consensus that fungi are growing on Mars. Specifically, 30 Geologists identified by their universities as experts in mineralogy or geomorphology, and 40 Biologists with an expertise in fungus or lichens, examined 30 photos, 5 from Earth and 25 from Mars which depicted specimens previously judged to resemble fungi. Scientists closely examined and rated these photos on a 1 to 4 scale as to the likelihood of life: 1=No. 2=33% Probability. 3=66% Probability. 4=Yes. The majority agreed there is a 33% to 100% probability that specimens on Mars, photographed by NASA's rover Curiosity, are living organisms. A Fisher Exact Test analyses indicates that Biologists (p = <0.0001) and Geologists (p = <0.0001) formed a statistically significant consensus for seven different specimens. Moreover, Biologists identified these specimens as "fungi" "mushrooms", "puffballs" and "Basidiomycota," and further noted that these specimens were growing out of the ground and shedding spores. This data is also consistent with the results from the Viking Labeled Release studies and the waxing and waning of ground level methane in the Gale Crater, in the same general vicinity of where most of these organisms were photographed by NASA. The evidence presented here, supports the likelihood that fungi have colonized Mars.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact