The whole fear that return samples from Mars, either
by robotic mission or manned, seems thoroughly irrational to me.
I think that's a little extreme, but I certainly agree with you that any
life on Mars is very unlikely to be pathogenic. On Earth, only a tiny
percentage of microbes are pathogens, and the majority of those have evolved
as such in concert with our own evolution. Pathogens and their hosts are,
quite literally, made for each other.
Still, some microbes are incredibly hardy, and the potential that something
from either planet might become an invasive species on the other (with
unknown environmental consequences) should at least be taken into
consideration when designing missions. If nothing else, any cross
contamination could thoroughly ruin the quality of science that can be
performed.
Chris
*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob McCafferty" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 5:38 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Panspermia and Mars back contamination
On a more realistic note...(though I applaud the jocularity)
The whole fear that return samples from Mars, either by robotic mission or
manned, seems thoroughly irrational to me.
The very idea that a microbe that MAY exist on present day Mars that will
have spent 3 Aeons adapting to a cold, dry, low atmospheric pressure, slow
metabolic existence would thrive inside a human body seems, frankly
ludicrous.
On earth, extremophiles can only exist in their own little niches because
once they are out of them, they either die from conditions or competition
from better adapted organisms.
Given the opportunity to go to Mars, I'd be there like a shot and I'd take
my chances.
As for Greg's Martian Champagne. I can't help feeling we have an idea for
the latest "trendy" craze to part overpaid footballers (soccer players)
from their cash.
I reckon you could get these self centred egotists to pay £300 ($500) for
a glass of "Rock Rose" or "Selene Rum" (registered trade marks, patent
pending) as they attempt to impress their friends/one night stands and
probably make enough money in a month to retire on in London.
I'm gonna be rich
Rob
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