> Also, if we already know life existed on Mars before, the ideological breakthrough would have been made. Finding current life on Mars would still be interesting, but only scientifically, not in the social and ideological way
I sort of agree, except that when it's "only" bacterium-level organisms, I think the social impact is still going to be minimal. If a Mars-trilobyte-equivalent fossil (or fish or velociraptor) was discovered, people/religions would freak out. But, I think the layman doesn't really consider bacteria to be life anyway (or maybe it's just that fossils of bacteria aren't too compelling).
On the other hand, I think it's freakin' awesome. I don't think the timing works, but wouldn't it be great if we turn out to be Martians? :)
I sort of agree, except that when it's "only" bacterium-level organisms, I think the social impact is still going to be minimal. If a Mars-trilobyte-equivalent fossil (or fish or velociraptor) was discovered, people/religions would freak out. But, I think the layman doesn't really consider bacteria to be life anyway (or maybe it's just that fossils of bacteria aren't too compelling).
On the other hand, I think it's freakin' awesome. I don't think the timing works, but wouldn't it be great if we turn out to be Martians? :)