This Mars Discovery Could Have Major Implications for Search for Alien Life – Futurism

In Brief New research shows that the thin Mars atmosphere interacts with perchlorates, chemicals on the planet's surface, to create a toxic environment for bacteria. This confirms that the search for life on Mars should include digging beneath the surface. Toxic Cocktail

New research shows that our aspirations togrow potatoes on Mars may be a little premature. Results of a new study indicate that the thin Martian atmosphere and the ultraviolet radiation it allows to reach the planets surface interact with chemical compounds called perchlorates to create a deadly environment for bacteria.

We have known that there were perchlorates on the surface of the Red Planet since the 1970s when the Viking 1 and 2 spacecraft landed there. Weve confirmed this with other probes since that time, and until recently that fact has actually been viewed in an encouraging light. Thats because although perchlorates made from oxygen and chlorine are toxic to humans, bacteria tend to thrive in their presence, using them for energy. Perchlorates also lower the point at which water melts, which offered still more hope for the existence of bacterial life on Mars.

This, however, isnt the end of the search for life on Mars. I cant speak for life in the past, co-author of the study Jennifer Wadsworth said to The Guardian. As far as present life, it doesnt rule it out but probably means we should look for life underground where its shielded from the harsh radiation environment on the surface. The ExoMars rover will look for bacteria by digging approximately 12 feet into the ground during its 2020 mission.

Its also possible that an extremophile bacterium could survive these conditions. The common Bacillus subtilis is no extremophile, and the Martian environment may have created its own extremophiles that are even tougher than any found on Earth. Life can survive very extreme environments, Wadsworth told Popular Science. The bacterial model we tested wasnt an extremophile so its not out of the question that hardier life forms would find a way to survive.

Meanwhile, the ExoMars orbiter is on track to carry out its mission: finding biochemical signs of life on Mars, or beneath its surface. The Mars 2020 rover will also be digging deep in the search for past life. NASA is developing a lidar system for the search for life on Mars. Hopefully, with this many research irons in the fire, well get some exciting answers soon.

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This Mars Discovery Could Have Major Implications for Search for Alien Life - Futurism