Overview
Explore a fascinating scientific lecture examining the historic 1976 Viking Mars missions and their controversial life-detection experiments through a modern lens. Delve into Dr. Schulze-Makuch's groundbreaking research published in Nature Astronomy, which challenges traditional assumptions about searching for extraterrestrial life. Learn how studies of Earth's Atacama Desert are reshaping our understanding of microbial survival in extreme environments, suggesting that the Viking experiments' use of excessive water may have compromised their results. Discover why following salt traces, rather than water alone, could be key to detecting life on Mars, as Dr. Franck Marchis explores new perspectives on astrobiology and future Mars exploration strategies. Gain insights into current rover capabilities, sample return missions, and the evolving methodologies for detecting potential Martian life through an engaging discussion that includes viewer questions and expert analysis of past and future Mars missions.
Syllabus
Introduction
Who is Dr Di Meyer
Summary of the paper
Viking Experiments
Follow the Salts
How to Find Life on Mars
Viewer Questions
Are the current Rovers capable of detecting salt
How will we detect it
Is it worth taking the samples
Why didnt we send a spacecraft with a microscope
Life on Mars
Future of Mars Exploration
Whats Next
Outro
Taught by
SETI Institute