NASA announces water currently on Mars

[2Stonedbirds]

I agree that it is amazing, but I still don't understand why you expect people to have the same amazed reaction as you?

Not everyone is going to care.

[2Stonedbirds]

Originally Posted by peter12

See, that isn't old hat to me.

I find it fascinating as well, but your average person only cares about manned missions when/if a shuttle explodes. It is no longer a new thing, a huge step in our collective advancement, so it loses it's appeal to everyone.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by MattyC

In an office of all close-to, or over, 40 year olds. I say aloud, "So, they found liquid water on Mars."

Crickets.

Over 40 you say hey? That explains it. Once we get over 40 we simply just tune out you 20 somethings.

[Knut]

This should be its own thread. It has the potential to be one of the greatest discoveries of all time. The implications are huge.

Here is a time lapse...

Spoiler!

[Muta]

Originally Posted by MattyC

In that vein, how come the rover can't go to these streaks and test the water for life? Or can it?

I believe there is an issue with sterilization of the rover; it isn't sterilized enough to go explore that area (too many Earth-carried microbes), and it might contaminate the area by doing so.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by 2Stonedbirds

I agree that it is amazing, but I still don't understand why you expect people to have the same amazed reaction as you?

Not everyone is going to care.

I meet people all the time that don't know the Sun is a star.

[FlamesAddiction]

I don't find the news earth shattering, but definitely interesting.

It will be interesting to see if they can determine where the water is coming from and if there are meaningful aquifers. If it turns out there is actually enough liquid water to support humans for an extended period of time, that would be pretty amazing.

[Knut]

here is a Reddit AMA with NASA scientists on the subject.

https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/commen...nything_about/

[polak]

Well there are two planets within our stars habitable zone and they've now both been confirmed to have liquid water, even though one of them has barely any atmosphere.

That has to be a good sign for the chances of liquid water and on exoplanets.

We're batting a thousand so far.

[2Stonedbirds]

Originally Posted by troutman

I meet people all the time that don't know the Sun is a star.

It's sad, but for many people it just isn't on their radar. Some people just don't care.

As much as I find space exploration interesting and important, I wish the human race would invest more into ocean exploration. We really have no clue what's in our oceans.

[peter12]

The premise for extraplanetary settlements is a bit funny to me. So we trash Earth, and then what, move on to Mars and trash it?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by peter12

The premise for extraplanetary settlements is a bit funny to me. So we trash Earth, and then what, move on to Mars and trash it?

No. We stay here and die

[polak]

Originally Posted by peter12

The premise for extraplanetary settlements is a bit funny to me. So we trash Earth, and then what, move on to Mars and trash it?

Or in case the earth/universe decides to trash us.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by peter12

The premise for extraplanetary settlements is a bit funny to me. So we trash Earth, and then what, move on to Mars and trash it?

Probably more for research purposes. Mars looks like a pretty crappy place to live permanently. I don't think colonization of Mars is more than just a pipe dream.

[Looch City]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Probably more for research purposes. Mars looks like a pretty crappy place to live permanently. I don't think colonization of Mars is more than just a pipe dream.

On the surface it may seem crappy, but underneath...

[2Stonedbirds]

Originally Posted by peter12

The premise for extraplanetary settlements is a bit funny to me. So we trash Earth, and then what, move on to Mars and trash it?

Pretty sure we have to find a monolith or something first.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by 2Stonedbirds

It's sad, but for many people it just isn't on their radar. Some people just don't care.

As much as I find space exploration interesting and important, I wish the human race would invest more into ocean exploration. We really have no clue what's in our oceans.

I'm thinking someone who thinks Space exploration important will generally also agree that ocean exploration is important as well.

But someone who doesn't know the Sun is a star is likely interested in neither, and is probably more concerned with the size of Kim Kardashian's ass, or whether or not Caitlyn Jenner is a woman. Those people are the real danger to humanity.

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by Muta

I believe there is an issue with sterilization of the rover; it isn't sterilized enough to go explore that area (too many Earth-carried microbes), and it might contaminate the area by doing so.

Outer space - with its complete vacuum, temperature of 0-3 degrees Kelvin, and solar radiation - is not enough to sterilize everything?

Related question: Is it possible to sterilize a turd?

[Coach]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

Outer space - with its complete vacuum, temperature of 0-3 degrees Kelvin, and solar radiation - is not enough to sterilize everything?

Related question: Is it possible to sterilize a turd?

No. Microbes have survived on the outside of space craft from Earth to the Moon and back.

[2Stonedbirds]

Yeah, most people are apathetic to exploration or science. Not sure how we change people's attitudes towards these things though? We can't. If they don't care, they don't care.

I would support however a manned, err transgender mission to Mars captained by Jenner.