Life on Mars today would not be easy to survive in the harsh environment. Underground, however, there is a possibility of protection from radiation and extreme temperature, which may lead to the possibility of the existence of microbial life.

A new discovery opens up interesting possibilities as well as new questions. Mars remains an enigmatic planet, and is one of the most tantalizing destinations to look for life outside of Earth.

Scientists are careful in claiming life. An extraordinary conclusion, such as this one, demands multiple lines of evidence and rigorous testing before it is accepted by the scientific community.

Future missions will bring samples of Mars back to Earth, scientists hope. The material could then be examined on Earth by very sophisticated laboratories, at a much greater degree of detail than is possible on Mars.

S. rovers are still taking samples and analyzing the surroundings on Mars. They have instruments that allow them to detect chemical patterns and geological characteristics that might indicate the presence of life.

The rocks on Mars are some billions of years old, a time when Mars was warmer and wetter. The ancient structures provide important clues to the geologic and environmental history of the planet and any possible life activity.

Occasional bursts of methane have been seen in the Martian atmosphere. While a geological origin is possible, the production of methane by living things on Earth is of great interest in light of the findings.

Organic molecules are present in the rocks and soil of Mars as detected by Mars rovers. These carbon based compounds form an important group in the construction of living organisms but they can also be synthesized without the help of living organisms.

Read More: We found new evidence of life on Mars