Subscribe now

Interview: The man who found Mars on Earth

By Anil Ananthaswamy

30 April 2008

New Scientist Default Image

(Image: Misha Gravenor)

For 28 years, NASA astrobiologist Chris McKay has hunted for living things in the coldest and driest places on Earth. By studying Earth’s extreme environments, he hopes to better understand where missions like the Phoenix probe, due to land next month, should look for evidence of life on Mars. He talked to Anil Ananthaswamy after a trip to Antarctica’s Dry Valleys

What were you looking for in the Dry Valleys?

These are vast dry regions that were cut many millions of years ago by glaciers. We were trying to find frozen soil like…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account