[meteorite-list] john

From: YourNameHere <a8126681_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:54:03 2004
Message-ID: <000101c1b088$7adab940$11e28283_at_nigo2pcrm01pc08.pcr.univie.ac.at>

The only interesting evidence in the meteorite ALH84001
is the magnetite particles of possible biological origin.
Their structure and chemistry suggest that they may have been
formed with the assistance of primitive, bacteria-like living organisms.
They are about 200 µm in diameter. The orange centres are relatively calcium
and iron-rich, and the white rims are nearly pure magnesium carbonate. The
black rim contains minute iron oxides and sulfides. A two-year investigation
by a NASA research team found organic molecules, mineral features
characteristic of biological activity and possible microscopic fossils
inside of carbonate minerals such as these in the meteorite. You have
suggested that the fine-grained magnetite located within Fe-rich rims
surrounding the carbonate globules in ALH84001 might be the fossil remains
of Martian microorganisms.

My question: Have you concrete criteria and arguments to find evidence for
life or fossils on Mars? What is your own opinion?

regards, john
Received on Fri 08 Feb 2002 05:07:54 AM PST