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takyon writes:

Mars methane surge spotted from space

A European spacecraft has confirmed a report of methane being released from the surface of Mars.

The methane spike was first measured by Nasa's Curiosity rover on the surface; now it has been confirmed by the Mars Express orbiter.

The nature and extent of methane in the Martian atmosphere is intensely debated.

The gas is of interest because terrestrial methane can be made by life forms, as well as geological processes.

Methane is only supposed to have a very short lifetime in the Martian atmosphere, so detecting it there means it must have been released very recently.

Also at NYT.

Previously: NASA Rover Discovers Mysterious Martian Methane Emissions
Remember the Discovery of Methane in the Martian Atmosphere? Now Scientists Can't Find Any Evidence

Related: Organic Matter Found on Mars

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