Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Astronomers and astrobiologists are conducting a series of trials and simulations to explore the potential for microbial life on Mars, aiming to understand how microorganisms might survive in the planet’s harsh environment. This research could offer critical insights into the possibilities of life beyond Earth and the adaptability of life in extreme conditions.
The trials are being carried out in two locations that mimic Martian conditions: the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, United States, and the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) in Nunavut, Canada, known for its extreme climate. According to a report by Science Tech Daily on Thursday (November 7, 2024), the research mission named Mars 160, spanned a full year, from 2016 to 2017.
During the mission, a team of scientists comprising astrobiologists, geologists, and ecologists conducted biodiversity surveys focusing on mosses at these Mars-analog sites. The goal was to assess the survival capabilities of moss species in environments that closely resemble Martian conditions, including extremely low temperatures, high radiation levels, and limited water availability.
Lichen as a Survival Candidate
Findings from this research, published in the October 2024 issue of the journal Check List, revealed that lichens are among the most likely organisms to survive on Mars. Lichens demonstrated the ability to thrive in extreme environments with minimal available resources.
The scientists studied microhabitats around both simulation stations while wearing spacesuits to replicate the challenges of exploring Mars. These simulations allowed them to interact with and study various microhabitats found in desert and Arctic-like settings, closely mimicking Martian landscapes.
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Researchers collected a wide range of lichen species from different microhabitats at both sites, amassing over 150 samples. These specimens were then processed and analyzed at the National Herbarium of Canada, housed in the Canadian Museum of Nature.
The study identified a total of 35 lichen species from the Mars Desert Research Station and an additional 13 species from the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station. These findings are significant because they indicate that lichens can grow and flourish in conditions similar to those on Mars, providing strong evidence that these organisms could be prime candidates for survival on the Red Planet.
Promising Implications for Mars Exploration
Photographs released from the study show thriving patches of lichens in the desert environment around the Mars Desert Research Station, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability. This supports the hypothesis that lichens could be one of the few life forms capable of enduring Mars’ hostile environment, whether as standalone organisms or as part of a broader ecosystem that makes use of the planet’s limited natural resources.
These results not only broaden our understanding of life’s resilience but also have significant implications for future Mars exploration missions. By identifying organisms that can withstand Martian-like conditions on Earth, scientists can better target their search for life on Mars, moving us one step closer to answering the age-old question of whether we are truly alone in the universe.
(Raidi/Agung)
