Possible liquid water on Mars and Juno launch

[Naru523]

Not sure if you guys already knew about this but the news came out a few days ago.

Source and more to read here.

Observations from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed possible flowing water during the warmest months on Mars. Research suggests that in the past there was liquid water flowing on the surface, creating large areas similar to Earth's oceans. However, the question remains as to where the water has gone. In a statement released by NASA on August 4, 2011, repeat images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment show Recurring slope lineae (RSL), which are narrow (0.5 to 5 meters) and exhibit relatively dark markings on steep (25° to 40°) slopes, to appear and incrementally grow during warm seasons and fade in cold seasons. They extend downslope from bedrock outcrops, often associated with small channels. RSL appear and lengthen in the late southern spring and summer from 48°S to 32°S latitudes which favor equator-facing slopes, which are times and places with peak surface temperatures from −23°C to 27°C. Liquid brines near the surface might explain this activity, but the exact mechanism and source of water are not understood.

and the Juno launch.

Juno is a NASA New Frontiers mission to the planet Jupiter. It was originally proposed at a cost of approximately US$700 million (FY03) for a June 2009 launch. NASA budgetary restrictions resulted in postponement until August 2011 on board an Atlas V rocket in the 551 configuration. As of June 2011, the mission was projected to cost $1.1 billion over its life. Juno was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on August 5, 2011; after several delays, including a hold at T-4 minutes, the spacecraft launched at 12:25 p.m. EDT.

The spacecraft will be placed in a polar orbit to study the planet's composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. Juno will also search for clues about how Jupiter formed, including whether the planet has a rocky core, the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere, and how the mass is distributed within the planet. Juno will also study Jupiter's deep winds, which can reach speeds of 600 kilometers per hour (370 mph).

Juno's name comes from Greek and Roman mythology, in which the god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, and his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature.

[atomic7732]

They've said possible signs of water since we discovered Mars. :/

[Naru523]

That's true, but there wasn't any evidence of rivers so far.

[atomic7732]

I don't think it's rivers, I think they're just springs.

[Naru523]

Possibly. We'll have to wait for info sooner or later.

[jgold98]

Why is water on Mars so amazing? If we do find it, does this mean we'll be worried about terraforming or aliens?

[Dan Dixon]

Why is water on Mars so amazing? If we do find it, does this mean we'll be worried about terraforming or aliens?

Since liquid water is necessary for life (as we know it), finding liquid water on Mars means that it's more likely we may find microscopic life on Mars.

There's no need to worry about aliens or terraforming.

[Dan Dixon]

Which means what to humanity?

NASA is trying to figure out if life is ubiquitous in the universe or not. It's a question of fundamental importance.

[atomic7732]

Why do you question everything? (Just wondering...)

Are you trying to evoke some state of consiousness where you are trying figure out what causes people to think they way they do? Get some universal reason of what causes us to be human?

[atomic7732]

Ok cause you just seem to be more questiony than anyone I've ever known. lol

[Omnigeek6]

I like to learn and understand the world around me.

This is why NASA sends space probes to other planets.

[atomic7732]

If there was actual observable benefits to a reasonable majority, there wouldn't be a NASA or NWS in the US. I'll tell you that much.