Mars contains enough oxygen to sustain life, study
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Mars contains enough oxygen to sustain life, study
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Mars contains enough oxygen to sustain life, study
Mars contains enough oxygen to sustain life, study
Could there be living beings on Mars as we know them in some way and somewhere? So far, it has been said that organisms that breathe oxygen were out of the question because our neighboring planet has very little to offer from this earthly elixir of life. But now researchers report: the amounts of oxygen could dissolve in liquid brines in areas close to the surface, which theoretically allows aerobic respiration by microorganisms.
On earth, life flourishes where there are three factors present: liquid water, a source of energy and an oxide. Although there are alternatives to molecular oxygen (O2) respiration, most living organisms on earth use the advantages of this electron acceptor for their metabolism. But what about these three basic requirements in the case of Mars? Now it seems clear that the Red Planet once had considerable amounts of liquid water on its surface. But that was billions of years ago. Due to its current freezing temperatures, which apparently only allow ice and no more liquids, Mars was long considered a dry bone.
An uncovered lake hidden under Martian ice could sustain life
The special "wet" of Mars in focus.
But clearly this is not the case, as has been evident in the meantime: there could be shallow aqueous solutions below the surface of Mars, which protect a high content of perchlorate and other salts from freezing, even in the case of strong minus the values. This icy and "spicy" liquid would be a challenge for life, but it seems possible. The number one factor could, therefore, be present. With regard to possible energy sources, it is known by Ede that some microorganisms can use minerals for their metabolism. This is also conceivable on Mars.
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena have now analyzed factor number three. They have investigated the question of whether presumed brines in the subsurface near the surface of Mars could produce oxygen concentrations that would allow aerobic metabolism. As they explain, there are very small amounts of oxygen on the surface that are produced by the degradation of carbon dioxide induced by light in the thin atmosphere. The researchers used these quantities as a basis for calculating the degree to which this oxygen could accumulate in perchlorate solutions under the pressure and temperature conditions of Mars.
In an important scientific finding, NASA researchers confirm that brackish water flows seasonally on the Red Planet.
Surprisingly rich in oxygen
The calculations show that under assumed conditions, suspect liquids could reach surprisingly high concentrations of oxygen in the subsoil near the surface. As the researchers explain, the values are clearly in the range of what some microorganisms on Earth need to maintain an aerobic metabolism. The researchers say that concentrations similar to those of terrestrial seawater could even be created. Perchlorate solutions, which may exist in the polar regions, may be particularly rich in oxygen. This is where the best temperatures prevail for oxygen to pass to liquids, the scientists explain.
It remains to be seen if the microbes of Mars really exist. But as the researchers point out, the results now show a more life-friendly potential.
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