Ocean once covered third of Mars and what happens if the next signal turns out to be the real thing?

Welcome! "Alien Life" tracks the latest discoveries and thoughts in the various elements of the famous Drake Equation. Here's today's news:
g Abodes - A new study shows that a vast ocean likely covered one-third of the surface of Mars 3.5 billion years ago. If liquid water was present on ancient Mars, it is possible that habitats for life persisted as well. See article.
g Message - What happens if the next signal turns out to be the real thing? What happens if the sender wants to talk? Will we know what to say? See article.
g Aftermath - Would dutiful American citizens trust the government to handle first contact with extraterrestrials and rush to get information to the public? See article.

Get your SF book manuscript edited