Although this is what scientists have long thought of to be true, the Mars Express has just confirmed the existance of water ice on Mars' poles. It has also found canals which are believed to be long dried rivers, but they cannot be sure.

What this could mean for 2012? It is possible that there was once life on this desolate red planet. I don't think I need to point out the signifigance beetween this and possible 2012 scenarios.