# If the methane is real, where does it come from? · Mars methane puzzle > Three answers have been proposed. None is ahead on the evidence yet. Three are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet. Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from Publisher: Mysteries Department Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page) Updated: 2026-10-26T11:58:00+00:00 --- **0** # If the methane is real, where does it come from? Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·3 answers·0·0 following **Three answers, none ahead** None is ahead yet. See what would settle it. ## Where it stands Three answers have been proposed. None is ahead on the evidence yet. Three are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet. ## Why it matters Methane is a possible sign of life or of active geology⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D7EXPW442PS/methane-on-mars-and-habitability-challenges-and-responses). The answer depends first on Q-REAL and then on measurements not yet made. ## Answers 3 [**Geological sources, such as gas from water-rock reactions or stored reservoirs escaping through seeps.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/mars-methane/answers/ANS0D7EY3AJ5KZ0/geological-sources-such-as-gas-from-water-rock-reactions-or) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: 1 for Still possible [**Microbes below the surface.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/mars-methane/answers/ANS0D7EY3T60CS7/microbes-below-the-surface) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: 1 for Still possible [**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/mars-methane/answers/ANS0D7EY49T7NPZ/none-of-these) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible ## History 1. 2018[Yung et al. puts forward: microbes below the surface.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D7EXPW442PS/methane-on-mars-and-habitability-challenges-and-responses) 1. 2018[Yung et al.: there is no evidence of life on the surface; microbes might reside beneath it.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D7EXPW442PS/methane-on-mars-and-habitability-challenges-and-responses)For: Microbes below the surface. 1. 2019[Etiope & Oehler puts forward: geological sources, such as gas from water-rock reactions or stored reservoirs escaping through seeps.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D7EXQ3Y4M0C/methane-spikes-background-seasonality-and-non-detections-on) 1. 2019[Giuranna et al.: a source region east of Gale is inferred from the 2013 PFS detection and modelling.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0D7EXMXM6RHQ/independent-confirmation-of-a-methane-spike-on-mars-and-a)For: Geological sources, such as gas from water-rock reactions or stored reservoirs escaping through seeps. 1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site ## Discussion 0 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from%23discussion) Help with this question [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ] [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from%23add-answer) [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ] [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from%23add-evidence) [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ] [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from%23add-question) [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ] [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXF26RFA/if-the-methane-is-real-where-does-it-come-from%23add-source) Where it fits Mars methane puzzle **If the methane is real, where does it come from?** Key question · you're here [Were the remote detections of 2003–2006 real?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/mars-methane/questions/QST0D7EXXPW2F4B/were-the-remote-detections-of-20032006-real)Most likely · the early remote detections were not secure [ Ask a question under this one ]