This article is classified "Real"
All the data that is presently possessed about the possibility of
microscopic life on the planet Mars comes from three experiments
conducted by the Viking landers. These experiments were based on the
assumption that living organisms eat, breathe, and give off waste
products. The first experiment was called the labeled release experiment.
For this experiment, some soil was placed in a container and moistened
with a nutrient that contained radioactive carbon. The idea was that if
there were any living organisms, they should eat the nutrient and emit
gases containing the radioactive carbon. Large quantities of gas were
in fact released.
The second experiment was called the pyrolytic release experiment.
Its purpose was to detect photosynthesis. Soil was placed in a container
that was filled with Martian-like atmosphere. The exception was that the
carbon in the carbon dioxide was radioactive. The soil was then illuminated
with artificial sun light. The theory was that if photosynthesis occurred,
the organisms should contain the radioactive carbon. So the container was
flushed of the gases and the soil was analyzed for radioactive carbon.
Oddly, sometimes the results were positive, and sometimes they were
negative.
The third was the gas exchange experiment. Its purpose was to detect
respiration. Soil was dampened with the nutrient and placed in a container
filled with the Martian-like atmosphere. The gases were then monitored, for
if organisms were present in the soil, they should inhale and exhale,
thereby changing the composition of the miniature atmosphere. As soon as
the soil was dampened, large amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen were given
off. Unfortunately, the rate was exactly that which would be expected from
a purely chemical reaction. It was decided that the soil must contain
peroxides or superoxides that react with water. The apparently positive
results from the labeled release experiment can be explained in the same
way.
More information may become available when the Mars Observer, launched
on 9-25-92, arrives in November of 1993. Its mission is to take pictures
of Mars for one Martian year (687 Earth-days, I think).
There is also a slight possibility of life on a Mars (TM) candy bar.
The chances are slim if you leave it wrapped until you are ready to
consume it. However, it is best to be safe and examine the bar closely
before eating. If any forms of animal life (fauna) are found, it is
best to quickly knock them off with a deft flick of the finger and then
to squash them, preferably with a facial tissue to minimize the mess.
It is also possible, though highly unlikely, that there may be plant
life (flora) on your Mars (TM) bar. If this is the case, do NOT eat
the candy bar. M&M/Mars has a guarantee of quality and freshness. If
your bar does have a significant flora population, merely return it and
the wrapper along with the reason you are returning it and where and
when you bought it. M&M/Mars will gladly replace your candy bar and
make an effort to remedy the problem.
Bibliography:
Kaufman, William J. III, Planets and Moons (1979)
Leech, Jon, "Space FAQ 11/15 - Upcoming Planetary Probes" (1993)
M&M/Mars Company, Mars Almond Bar Wrapper (1993)