Oxygen atoms have been detected in Mars' atmosphere. The last time this happened was about forty years ago. The oxygen atoms were discovered in the mesosphere of the red planet. The discovery is significant because it can help scientists figure out why and how the gasses on the red planet escaped. Moreover, the source of the oxygen may indicate the presence of anaerobic bacteria which is believed to have provided Earth with its supply of oxygen during the Great Oxygenation Event.
With the ambition of traveling to and possibly colonizing the red planet, scientists can use any data on oxygen atoms to better facilitate the plans to visit the planet. Only time will what will be discover, but it is sure an exciting time to be alive.
Source:
http://phys.org/news/2016-05-observatory-atomic-oxygen-martian-atmosphere.html
http://www.sciencealert.com/a-flying-observatory-just-detected-oxygen-in-the-martian-atmosphere
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mars-mission-atomic-oxygen-detected-in-martian-atmosphere-1403804?FB
http://www.iflscience.com/space/atomic-oxygen-has-been-detected-mars-atmosphere
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/21797/20160509/atomic-oxygen-on-mars-detected-by-nasas-airborne-telescope-sofia.htm
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