Let Canberra play a part in the possible discovery of life on Mars

Making the discovery feel even closer to home was the ability to see Mars from Canberra backyards on Saturday morning, at its closest point to Earth in more than a decade.

Viewers received an extra treat with the red planet competing for attention alongside a rare blood moon in what was this century's longest lunar eclipse.

Many Canberrans seem to have a special affinity for the skies, and showed it by rolling out of bed particularly early to see the rare event.

What is it about space that sparks the imagination? Canberrans are closer to the action than many, with Australia's very own newly formed space agency sited, for now, in the capital.

But will it stay?

Chief Minister Andrew Barr recently said if the space agency is moved after the first 12 months in Canberra, it will be a political decision. But surely the federal government should take into consideration Canberra's affinity for space.

As humanity prepares to celebrate 50 years since man first walked on the moon next year, a moment of which Canberra played it's very own part, it seems we could be in for another spectacular and potentially life-changing outer space discovery.

What role could Canberra play in finding life on Mars, with an agency dedicated to exploring the outer reaches of the universe on our doorstep?

The apparent discovery of water on Mars has been described as "of extraordinary significance".

"This is currently our best, albeit slim chance of discovering life elsewhere in our Solar System," says Warwick Holmes, executive director of space engineering at the University of Sydney.

Putting aside the fact the water is full of salt, probably more like sludge, and is buried about 1.5 kilometres beneath an ice cap, it could be the supply of drinking water needed for a manned trip to Mars.

Let's make sure Canberra plays a part.