Mars Phoenix Finds Evidence of Liquid Water

NASA's Mars Phoenix performed wet chemistry experiments on Martian soil -- the first such analysis to be performed on any world except Earth. According to a Physorg.com, the tests indicate the soil interacted with water at some point in its history. The sample of Martian soil showed some similarities to soil found in dry valleys of Antarctica. The pH of the soil was basic (8-9) and contained salts of magnesium, sodium, chlorine, and potassium. Several nutrients were detected that are associated with life. On Twitter, the Mars Phoenix says the soil could perhaps support alkaline-loving plants such as asparagus, though other factors would prevent the vegetable from surviving on Mars.

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