Life on Mars Possible? NASA Scientist Gives Two Reasons Why This May Happen

Dr. Moogega Cooper, a scientist at NASA, recently spoke to Talks at Google about her vital role as a planetary protection engineer at the agency.

According to a report from The Sun, Cooper has revealed several reasons why there might be evidence of life on Mars or that ancient life "once existed there."

Specifically, the scientist has been described as a "real-life Guardian of the Galaxy," and as such, her job at NASA involves protecting the planet against cross-contamination, not to mention planning how to bring extraterrestrial life back to Earth safely.

When asked if she thought the Red Planet had or once had life, her answer was positive, saying, "Did water used to exist" on that planet?" She confirmed and said, "Yes."

Bacteria Could Exist on Mars

For the reasons alone, Cooper implies that it cannot be ruled out that life once existed on Mars. More so, NASA has not ruled out that there is life on the red planet and the others.

It may simply be a life that humans don't yet understand. Cooper has noted that the bacteria on Earth can exist in extremely harsh environments, which could be said for Mars. If life isn't found, this report specified, the next job of Cooper would be to ensure the Earth is safe when a sample of it is brought back to Earth.

The NASA scientist explained that one day, they're hoping to return the samples to "our own planet," there is a need to have that same consideration.

She also said that when one brings something back, he doesn't want to bring anything that may be hazardous to humans. Therefore, she continued, there is a need to do the best job possible to guarantee that it is done right or properly.

Protection from Extraterrestrial Life

In terms of protecting this planet from extraterrestrial life, explained Cooper, humans can only shield against life as it is known today. The scientist also explained that humans could not modify that approach if they learned something else. It is the same with the COVID-19 approach. One learns something new, and he has to adjust to it.

Moore continued, "You just roll with the punches since you're scientists," and therefore, that's the same thing for life on Mars. Cooper explained more of life; one only knows it as he knows it. Therefore, he will use the worst thing he can think of on the planet as a model for life on the Red Planet.

Scientists are basing their possibly "hazardous Martian life models" on prions to date. These are molecules that can do many hazardous things to one's brain.

Essentially, some prions on this planet may cause mad cow disease, resulting in dementia and death. Some prions on Earth cause mad cow disease, as detailed on the Food and Drug Administration website, which can lead to dementia and death.

Related information about Moogega Cooper is shown on Tedx Talks' YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Mars in Science Times.