Perchlorate on Mars

After the landmark discovery of water on the surface of our sister planet, Mars, other discoveries have been made. One of the most interesting is that natural perchlorate has been found. Since perchlorate is a component of jet fuel, it was important to ensure that the perchlorate did not come from contamination. However, it has been determined that the perchlorate is not a contaminant, but rather, a natural part of the Martian soil system.

What does this mean? Well, since perchlorate is an alkaline poison, it is possible that it could negate the existence of life on Mars. However, it is also possible that there are extremophiles that are living in the Martian soil.

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