The possibility of discovering an independent life form on a planet other than Earth presents an unequaled challenge in the history of scientific search. Therefore, the detection of life within the solar system is a major objective of space research in the foreseeable future. The scientific data presently available concerning the possible existence of a Martian life form and the chemical constitution of the surface of Mars are disappointingly few. In fact, it is impossible to make a statement about any of the many surface features, other than the polar caps, with any degree of certainty. The observational results have been accounted for by many conflicting hypotheses which can only be resolved by the accumulation of new evidence. The arguments supporting the existence of Martian life ([ref.1]) are based on the following observations: (1) The various colors, including green, exhibited by the dark areas (2) The seasonal changes in the visual albedo and polarization of the dark areas (3) The ability of the dark areas to regenerate after an extensive "duststorm" (4) The presence of absorption bands at 3.3µ-3.7µ, attributed to organic molecules Conflicting interpretations of the above observations have been advanced. The argument based on the colors is inconclusive, and several workers have suggested that the color is a contrast effect with the bright-reddish continents. The meager quantitative data have been discussed by Öpik ([ref.2]) who has reduced Kozyrev’s photometric observations of the very dark area of Syrtis Major to intrinsic reflectivities by allowing for the estimated atmospheric attenuation and reflectivity. Kuiper ([ref.3]) similarly demonstrated the absence of the near-infrared reflection maximum, which is characteristic of most green plants, indicating that chlorophyll was not responsible for the color. The second and third arguments remain the most cogent. However, serious limitations are imposed on the second if the severity of the Martian climate is considered. Föcas ([ref.4]) has photometrically measured the seasonal changes in the fine structure of the dark areas of Mars and concludes that— (1) The dark areas of Mars show periodic variation of intensity following the cycle of the darkening element (2) The average intensity of the dark area, not including the action of the darkening waves, increases from the poles toward the equator (3) The action of each of the darkening waves decreases from the poles toward the equator. This decrease is balanced in the equatorial zone by the combined action of the two darkening waves alternately originating at the two poles. The mechanism of the darkness-generating element seems to be constant for all latitudes during the Martian year.