Follow the Water: Everywhere on Earth, where water is present, life not only exists, it thrives, even under extreme conditions. Scientific data suggests that water is present, not only on Earth, but on other planets in our solar system like Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan. Water is essential life. NASA has developed a "Follow the Water" strategy in the interplanetary quest for life, past or present.
“To "Follow the Water" an understanding of the current environment is needed. Searching for features that appear to be altered by past water like canyons, riverbeds, hydrothermal vents and springs as well as possible subsurface aquifers is an ongoing process. Scientific observations and experiments in the atmosphere as well as on rocks that could have only been formed in the presence of water is the mission. Understanding the geologic and climatic history will give us a much better understanding of the Martian environment (NASA).”NASA’s Mars Exploration Program will use this “Follow the Water” strategy in achieving its four primary goals: Goal 1: Determine if life ever arose on Mars. Goal 2: Characterize the climate of Mars Goal. 3: Characterize the geology of Mars. Goal 4: Prepare for the human exploration of Mars.
To find out more about NASA’s “Follow the Water” strategy, visit the Mars Exploration Program Overview.
