DiscoverThis Week in Space (Audio)TWiS 177: Life on Mars? - With Dr. Michael Tice
TWiS 177: Life on Mars? - With Dr. Michael Tice

TWiS 177: Life on Mars? - With Dr. Michael Tice

Update: 2025-09-12
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You've heard the news about a possible detection of ancient life on Mars... now get the inside scoop from one of the paper's key authors. Dr. Michael Tice is a research scientist and planetary geologist at Texas A&M, and has a lot to say about how the research was pulled from the year-old drill sampling, the incredible rigor that was applied to their findings, and what's next in this amazing story. It's the one we've all been waiting for--a possible indication of life beyond our own planet!



Headlines:


  • NASA's Interim Chief Declares Mission to Beat China Back to the Moon

  • Starlink Satellite Photobombs Maxar Image of Secret Chinese Airbase

  • James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Interstellar Jet "Flatulence"

Main Topic: Signs of Ancient Life Discovered on Mars by Perseverance


  • Dr. Michael Tice Explains Potential Biosignatures in Jezero Crater

  • Discovery of Unusual "Leopard Spots" Linked to Possible Microbial Activity

  • Redox Reactions and Organics Suggest Favorable Conditions for Life

  • Debate Between Biological and Abiotic Explanations for Findings

  • Cutting-Edge Rover Instruments Push Detection Limits

  • Challenges of Confirming Life Without Sample Return to Earth

  • Future Work Needed: Sample Return Missions and Analogs on Earth

  • Broader Reflections on Mars Science, Search for Life, and Technology Choices

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik


Guest: Dr. Michael Tice


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TWiS 177: Life on Mars? - With Dr. Michael Tice

TWiS 177: Life on Mars? - With Dr. Michael Tice

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