Re: Mars Fossils

From
Date
In a message dated 96-08-24 16:25:18 EDT, you write:

> 7.  On the other hand, this has the potential to do wonders for
>  paleontology.  Like dinosaurs, everyone is interested in extraterrestrial
>  life.  So, even if it gets disproved or is questionable, I think we should
>  make our own hoopla over exopaleontology, if not for additional funding,
>  then as a tool to improve scientific reasoning and discipline visibility.
>  

Speeking of hooplah...
Just think of it. If this micro-Martian  turns out to be verifiable (and I
still have some doubts) then the questions become  Did evolution of lfe on
Mars parallel in mode if not tempo the evolution of terrestrial life?  Was
Martian paleo-molecular biology similar to what we believe  was the case for
early earth? Did Mars' lower gravity have any effects? And the big question
to me, would be, does this constitute the first known extraterrestrial mass
extinction?  Granted this is swerving into the realm of wild speculation but
if we are to accept this announcement as is then we must consider the above
questions with a straight face! 
I believe that we  should take full advantage of this and any future
opportunity as they arise. As public interest is piqued so does the  desire
 hear from "the experts". The limelight focuses on us and presents an
opportunity to educate  the public, our politicians  and the media all of
whom we depend on for support in one form or another. Maybe 
we can take a lesson from political strategists and form our own truth squads
to be ready with accurate and timely statements for the press as well as WEB
addresses which are probably the best and most far reaching medium other than
the mass media and which would be free from big medias' penchant for
"literary liscense", hyperbole,  and just plain inaccuracies.

Food for thought.

Regards,
Thomas R. Lipka
Paleontological/Geological Studies