Mars Exploration and the Search for Life

What is one of the main objectives of the Mars 2020 rover, Perseverance?

• To search for water on the Moon

• To explore the Martian poles

• To find signs of ancient microbial life

• To study the Martian atmosphere

Why is liquid water considered crucial in the search for life on Mars?

• It is easy to detect with current technology

• It is the only solvent known to support life

• It is a key variable in the search for life

• It is abundant on Mars

What did the HiRISE camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter discover?

• A large Martian volcano

• Evidence of ancient Martian civilizations

• Recurring slope linea (RSL) on Martian slopes

• A new Martian moon

What was the controversial claim made by NASA in 1996 regarding a meteorite from Mars?

• It contained water

• It had evidence of extraterrestrial life

• It was made of pure gold

• It was from a different solar system

What is a biosignature?

• A sign of life, such as minerals and carbon compounds

• A type of Martian rock

• A method for measuring Martian temperature

• A new type of space telescope

What is one of the philosophical dilemmas in searching for life on Mars?

• The unknown nature of potential biosignatures

• The harsh Martian climate

• The lack of advanced technology

• The distance from Earth

What is a major challenge in defining life on Mars?

• The high cost of missions

• The absence of a standard definition of life

• The lack of scientific interest

• The limited number of rovers

What is the role of the Perseverance rover in future Mars missions?

• To map the entire Martian surface

• To gather samples for future study

• To communicate with Martian life forms

• To build a Martian base

What is emphasized as necessary before making claims about life on Mars?

• A Martian colony

• Solid and extraordinary evidence

• A new space station

• A large number of rovers

What famous quote by Carl Sagan is mentioned in the context of Mars exploration?

• Life on Mars is inevitable

• The universe is vast and mysterious

• Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence

• Mars is the next frontier