New measurements of Mars ' atmosphere are not relevant for current life on that planet . Mars formed about 2 billion years ago . Its atmosphere was burned away by sun , bombardment . Follow Elizabeth Landau on Twitter at @ lizlandau . Mars 2020 rover found that life could have existed on Mars in the distant past .
New measurements of Mars ' atmosphere are not relevant for current life on that planet . Mars formed about 2 billion years ago . Its atmosphere was burned away by sun , bombardment . Mars 2020 rover found that life could have existed on Mars in the distant past .