Michael Meyer says planetary scientists often study processes that are very different from ones on Earth.

VOA: special.2009.12.30

But Michael Meyer notes that methane also can come from a purely non-biological process called serpentinization.

VOA: special.2009.12.30

Michael Meyer is lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program in Washington.

VOA: special.2009.12.30

Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program, said the observations provided the strongest evidence to date that water still flowed occasionally on the surface of Mars.

CNN: Life on Mars?

However, as Michael Meyer suggests, the discovery does raise many questions, including whether the source and abundance of water could serve as a resource in future missions to explore Mars.

CNN: Life on Mars?

In Yellowknife Bay, the area where the rover is located, it appears "slightly salty liquid water" was once there, said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

CNN: NASA: Yes, Mars could have hosted life