Could Mars support life? The surface of the red planet could be compatible with some life forms
On Earth, the most dangerous ultraviolet radiation for living organisms - UV - is blocked by the ozone layer. However, on Mars, the thin atmosphere, almost devoid of ozone, allows this type of radiation to reach the surface virtually unimpeded, with a powerful sterilizing effect. Nevertheless, a new study suggests that these conditions may not be entirely incompatible with certain forms of life.The research, led by the Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB, INTA-CSIC) with the collaboration of the Instituto de Quimica Fisica Blas Cabrera (IQF-CSIC), shows that the UV radiation doses measured on Mars are comparable to those that probably existed on early Earth. This implies that, although extreme, they do not completely rule out the possibility of life.Stunning new images from Mars captured by Rover Curiosity leave scientists in awePublished in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences […]
