Posted by: Cugel Jul 24 2006, 10:36 AM
http://www.marsdaily.com/reports/Sunning_Frozen_Soil_Could_Answer_Martian_Life_Question_999.html
Cobos? What's in a name???
QUOTE
Cobos said the physics on Mars is such that ice tends to go directly from the solid form into a vapor. If we can measure this liquid water using our specialized sensor mounted on the robotic arm of the lander, we ll be able to turn over the data to the planetary scientists to analyze the climate and conditions on Mars, says Cobos. These scientists will use the data to determine if life ever arose on Mars or if it could sustain life in the future.
I can't make much sense of this. First he says there is no liquid water on Mars, next he tries to measure it with his sensor. Does he think there actually is some sort of very thin and transient layer of liquid water involved? If so, the interview is pretty FUBAR.
The last words of the quote are also rather mysterious. What is he hinting at? Contamination? Terraforming???
Very strange.