Scientists are one step closer to determining if there was life on Mars as Nasa experts are expected to confirm they have found methane gas on the Red Planet.

Scientists apparently believe the gas was produced by tiny alien microbes beneath the planet's surface.

The gas was detected by orbiting spacecraft and giant telescopes used from Earth.

But the big question for Nasa is whether or not these microbes still exist.

Nick Pope, who used to run the Ministry of Defence's UFO project, said: "What could be more profound than to know it's not just us out there?

"We've really only scratched the surface - it's an absolute certainty that there is life out there and we are not alone."

He added: "If there is life on Mars then the logical conclusion is that there must be life elsewhere too.

"If it's happened here on Earth, then why shouldn't it happen anywhere? The implication is this is a universal law."

Last year, scientists operating Nasa's Phoenix Mars Lander confirmed that water definitely exists on the planet after a soil sample dug up by the probe gave off water vapour.

Full confirmation of Nasa's Mars findings will take place later.

ITN NEWS

So now we know. Mars smells of alien farts

Does this mean they have cows on Mars?

Either that or Sanchez has a holiday home there

Time share on Mars...



Looks nice and quiet at the moment - just one little fishing village.

Quick - go before they turn it into a resort!