ASK JACKSON

The Southeast Missourian asked students at Jackson Middle School about the possibility of Martian bacteria that might be encountered through space exploration.

Kyle Strickland: "There probably is no bacteria or anything alive on Mars. Even if there was, space suits would protect astronauts on Mars."

Charles Flint: "If we find out from gathering samples from Mars that there is deadly bacteria there, we should not send astronauts there. That could put their lives and also life on Earth at risk."

Rachel Smith: "Since organisms are a lower life-form than people, it could be possible that harmful bacteria might be there. Only people who would choose to chance it should go there to expand our scientific knowledge."

Jessica Venable: "I think that there could be deadly bacteria on Mars. If there is, we should be very careful about sending people there to explore."

Stuart McIntosh: "I think there could be life on Mars, and that harmful bacteria could be there. We should send people there to explore it, but also take great precautions in doing so."