This Week in Space 177: Life on Mars?
12 September 2025

This Week in Space 177: Life on Mars?

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About

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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