Ammonia on Mars could mean life
By Dr David Whitehouse
BBC News Online science editor
Ammonia may have been found in Mars' atmosphere which some scientists say could indicate life on the Red Planet.
Researchers say its spectral signature has been tentatively detected by sensors on board the European Space Agency's orbiting Mars Express craft.
Ammonia survives for only a short time in the Martian atmosphere so if it really does exist it must be getting constantly replenished.
There are two possible sources: either active volcanoes, none of which have been found yet on Mars, or microbes.
more:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3896335.stmIf confirmed, this is big news. There is no way ammonia is produced by other reactions in Mars's type of environment. Volcanos or Hydrothermal systems also would be excellent places for life there.