HOUSTON, Texas -- It is fitting that the Antarctic-recovered Martian meteorite, ALH84001, is potato-shaped. After years of argument, the "Mars rock" continues to be just that -- a scientific hot potato.

The inside story is that the meteorite may contain evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet. Trying to anchor that belief in a sea of skepticism remains a daunting and challenging, but dutiful task for those making the assertion.

[inset] But this scientific saga has taken more blasts, twists and turns than the meteorite took to get to Earth in the first place. Without doubt, the Carl Sagan axiom that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" serves as the foundation for an ongoing and spirited debate.

The 32nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, held here at NASAs Johnson Space Center (JSC) March 12-16, served up another generous helping of claim, controversy and downright grouchiness.