Scientists usually associate the presence of methane with the presence of microbes under the surface that produce this gas.
Planetary scientists believe that the Curiosity rover has stumbled upon areas where large amounts of methane are released to the surface.
Its number is significantly greater than in other areas explored by the rover, reports “New Scientist”.
Since landing on the Red Planet in 2012, Curiosity has measured the amount of methane in the vicinity of Gale Crater. On six occasions, he found noticeable surges in gas levels.
The largest sources of methane were found tens of miles from the rover. The survey results indicate an area of active radiation to the west of Curiosity, in the northwest of the crater.
According to the researchers, their findings will help determine the places on Mars where it will be possible to find life during future missions.
The fact is that almost all methane in the Earth’s atmosphere is of biological origin, so this area of research may become the most promising.
