Recently, scientists have discovered a way to discover what the atmosphere was like on Mars and Earth millions of years ago. This was originally found out by Robina Shaheen, who had been doing research on this topic for the past four years. This can be done by using a chemical reaction found in the atmosphere from very small particulates. Discovering this also gives an explanation for chemical compounds that were found on Mars years ago. They were thought to have been signs of Martian activity but now we know that this is not the case. Although not much more is known on the matter yet, this is basically a new and efficient way to measure the Earth's atmosphere which can help us make greater discoveries in the future.

I think that this is a great discovery and will help us find many other important things in the future. If we have fast and efficient ways to find out what the Earth and Mars's atmosphere is like, I can't imagine what we will have the capability to do later! This could lead to so many other discoveries like what life might have been like on Mars, or how the atmosphere changed on Earth over the years. It could also help us solve major climate issuses having to do with the atmosphere like the ozone layer and global warming.

1) What are your thoughts on this new discovery? Do you think it is important and should be pursued further?
2) What are some other ways that you think this can be used to help us today and in the future?
3) Do you think that Martian life really did once exist on Mars? Should we use this new evidence to pursue topics like that or more current issues like global warming?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101108151330.htm
Science Daily
November 13th, 2010