Answer to Question #301081 in Astronomy | Astrophysics for BIGIRIMANA Elie

Question

describe the life condition on the planet mars

Answer 1

There are several reasons for which the conditions on the martian surface are inconvenient for life. Mars has no strong magnetic field (1/500 of the magnetic field on the Earth poles), so the cosmic radiation may harm the living organisms. UV radiation may also be lethal for small organisms, therefore, if life exists on Mars evidence of life could be best preserved in the subsurface. The small pressure is also a kind of inconvenient conditions for life. The water can be found on Mars but only in the form of ice. There is no liquid water due to the small atmospheric pressure (1/160 of the atmospheric pressure on the Earth) and low temperatures (the average temperature is only -63°C).

However, some possible biosignatures are found on Mars. The trace amount of methane was reported in Mars's atmosphere. It may be produced by microorganisms, but also some geologic sources are possible.