Mushrooms found on Mars!

[stans 702]

Maybe those 'shrooms are what this guy eats.

[Fielder 3,645]

The mushrooms image was from the movie Caddyshack!

 

 

[Bdub22 1,609]

It’s a bummer this topic couldn’t have been explored more with a little bit of maturity. Sure, the sources might be questionable but what if there are mushrooms on Mars? I don’t know, call me dramatic but having a discussion on the possibilities certainly outweigh the way-less-fun approach of debating a source. I’m just excited that there might be a fraction of truth there. 

[martin-w 3,234]

3 minutes ago, Bdub22 said:

It’s a bummer this topic couldn’t have been explored more with a little bit of maturity. Sure, the sources might be questionable but what if there are mushrooms on Mars? I don’t know, call me dramatic but having a discussion on the possibilities certainly outweigh the way-less-fun approach of debating a source. I’m just excited that there might be a fraction of truth there. 

 

Yep, I agree, and admit I did expect more of a sensible, serious discussion. I also admit that I too jumped on the bandwagon and joined in with the fun. In fact I was about to add that all the astronauts really needed was to just take some eggs and they could make mushroom omelettes. 

Feel free to add your "sensible" comments.

 

[martin-w 3,234]

Quote

In the new paper, the scientists point to a set of Opportunity photos that shows nine spheres increasing in size, and an additional 12 spheres emerging from beneath the soil, over a 3-day sequence. The researchers claim Martian wind didn’t uncover the amorphous spheres, and that they “expand in size, or conversely, change shape, move to new locations, and/or wane in size and nearly disappear.”

 

Trouble is, this is ONE paper, so interesting but that's all we can say at this point. To be definitive, we would need physical evidence, which means an astronaut picking one up, placing it in a container, and analysing it in his/her Mars habitat. 

Personally I think this is many times more likely to be mineral deposits of some kind, all manner of spheres and peculiar looking structures can be created by such processes. 

Perseverance of course has the capability to take samples and leave them on the surface in trackable containers for an intended return mission. Will be great if Perseverance comes across these structurers and does so.

I say send the astronauts though. Any geologist will tell you that there's no substitute for a geologists or biologists boots on the ground. 

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by martin-w

[stans 702]

In all seriousness, it is highly unlikely they are actually mushrooms.  They could be mineral deposits or small rocks worn smooth by eons of abrasion.

[martin-w 3,234]

24 minutes ago, stans said:

In all seriousness, it is highly unlikely they are actually mushrooms.  They could be mineral deposits or small rocks worn smooth by eons of abrasion.

 

True... but this is an international team of many scientists that have contributed to this paper. So perhaps not as unlikely as we assume. I mean its not like its one crazy scientist making a wild claim.

[harrry 322]

1 hour ago, martin-w said:

 

True... but this is an international team of many scientists that have contributed to this paper. So perhaps not as unlikely as we assume. I mean its not like its one crazy scientist making a wild claim.

https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1525/aa.1971.73.1.02a00250

after all scientists never make wild claims

 

[martin-w 3,234]

1 hour ago, harrry said:

after all scientists never make wild claims

 

That wasn't what I said. I said it's not ONE scientist making a crazy claim. You will find all manner of crazy papers written by scientists. That's why a body of research is required. Thus, if it's more than one scientist, and as claimed, an international team, its more plausible than one nut job scientist making a claim. That doesn't mean this research IS valid, just a higher degree of plausibility than a single rogue scientist making crazy claims. 

 

In addition... where is the crazy "claim" in the link you posted? That is just scientists speculating about the nutritional role of cannibalism, probably an anthropology discussion. Its a "debate" not research. And not at all relevant to our discussion. 

Edited May 11, 2021 by martin-w

[HiFlyer 9,345]

 

[Noel 4,487]

On 5/9/2021 at 4:09 PM, Freo said:

Wonder if they are Portobello, Shiitake, Oyster or White button ?

All psilocybin, of course 

[martin-w 3,234]

Anton's videos are usually pretty good. I'll watch that tonight.