Curiosity Hits Paydirt: New Clues to Life on Mars
12:23 minutes
Microbes may have once happily existed on the surface of Mars, according to chemical analysis of a sedimentary rock in the Red Planet’s Gale Crater. NASA geologist and exobiologist David Blake discusses evidence for an ancient freshwater lake in the crater, and describes the mineral-chomping microbes that might have thrived there.
Segment Guests
David Blake
David Blake is principal investigator of the CheMin instrument on Curiosity Rover, and a geologist, exobiologist, research scientist at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.
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@cintagliataChristopher Intagliata is Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.