Key Takeaways:
- 1. NYU Abu Dhabi research suggests cosmic rays may support underground life in our solar system.
- 2. Cosmic rays can break down water molecules, providing energy for bacteria even in dark environments.
- 3. The concept of a Radiolytic Habitable Zone expands the search for extraterrestrial life beyond the “Goldilocks Zone.”
Research from NYU Abu Dhabi proposes that cosmic rays, typically harmful, may actually support life underground on planets and moons in our solar system. By breaking down water molecules through radiolysis, cosmic rays can provide energy for bacteria in dark, cold environments. Simulations on Mars, Enceladus, and Europa indicate the potential for radiolysis-supported life. This discovery challenges the traditional view of where life can exist and introduces the concept of a Radiolytic Habitable Zone. Future space missions may now prioritize detecting chemical energy below the surface to find new targets for life.
Insight: The concept of a Radiolytic Habitable Zone expands the search for extraterrestrial life by considering cosmic ray interactions with underground water as a potential energy source for microbial life.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: The Debrief.
Read the original article here: https://thedebrief.org/cosmic-ray-discovery-suggests-extraterrestrial-life-may-exist-in-more-places-than-we-ever-imagined/
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