NASA scientist Mike Mumma and astrobologist Christopher Chyba have been studying methane levels on Mars using infrared telescopes for seven Earth years, equal to three Martian years. They found that methane levels fluctuate with the Martian seasons, increasing during summer when ice may melt and release trapped methane from rocks or molecules. The source of the methane is unknown, but could potentially be from microbial life or geological processes as the planet warms and freezes. Further investigation is planned to determine the origin of the methane on Mars.

1. Either Martians or Mars Has Gas { Who, What, Where, When, Why} Kristina Lane

2. Who’s Cows Mike Mumma (and his team)- a NASA scientist Christopher Chyba- astrobologist (someone who studies extraterrestrial life)

3. What Scientist have been studying the planet Mars with special telescopes that are used to pick up on inferred lighting for seven Earth years (three Martian years) to record how much methane is on Mars and where it might be coming from. The scientist from NASA don’t particularly know the source but have found a certain pattern that might just help them out. During the Martian Summers, there’s more methane gas being released into Mars atmosphere then there is when the Martian winters come. One hypothesis is that the methane is trapped in rocks covered with ice and are released in the summer time when it melts. Another scenario is that the methane is actually trapped in molecules called clathrates. When these molecules are exposed to the sun’s rays, they open up and release a large amount of methane gases in the air. Neither of these scenarios have been proven but, futher investigation is in mind

4. Where’s Cows- Earth Mike Mumma- Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Christopher Chyba- Princeton University Methane Gas- Earth and mars

5. When’s The scientist for this investigation started studying Mars for 3 Martian years ( 7 Earth years)

6. Why’s The Red Planet has been spewing clouds of methane, scientist have recently discovered. There’s a possibility that tiny living organisms on Mars are the source of the gas. Or it could be coming from freezing and thawing processes on the planet.