[University of Michigan] Hundreds of feet below Earth’s surface, rocks and water teem with fungi and support complex ecosystems of tiny organisms, according to a University of Michigan study, which […]
Habitable Zones
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology
Methane Production On Mars-Relevant Clay Minerals And Simulant Regolith
[Microorganisms]. Over the course of Martian history, the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide and potential subsurface molecular hydrogen (H2), in addition to potential surface and subsurface liquid water, suggests that […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
SCoRE: The Surface Composition Of Rocky Exoplanets
[astro-ph.EP] Context. The crust composition of rocky exoplanets with a substantial atmosphere can not be observed directly. However, recent developments are starting to allow for the observation and characterisation of […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Atmospheric Escape Rates of Planets in Stellar Tidal Fields from 3-D Hydrodynamic Simulations
[astro-ph.EP] Thermally driven atmospheric escape, including photo-evaporation and core-powered mass-loss, plays a key role in shaping the evolution of close-in exoplanets, yet most current models rely on simplified one-dimensional descriptions […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments
Methanotrophy Under Extreme Alkalinity In A Serpentinizing System
[Nature] Serpentinization produces hyperalkaline, H2– and CH4-rich fluids that support microbial life and serve as analogs for ocean worlds such as Enceladus. While methane production in these systems has been […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
ANDES, The High-resolution Spectrograph Oof The ELT: Simulated Performance Of The CORO Module And Overview Of The High-contrast Capabilities For Exoplanet Observations
[astro-ph.IM] We present the simulated performance of the coronagraph (CORO) module for ANDES, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) high-resolution spectrograph.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Detecting Habitable Exoplanet Atmospheres With LIFE, The Large Interferometer For Exoplanets
[astro-ph.IM] A key goal of astronomers with the next generation telescopes is to detect signs of life in exoplanet atmospheres. NASA’s next flagship is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).
![(A) Summary interpolation of the extent of bedrock geologic units based on in situ mapping. The width of the mapping corridor is ∼120 m. White dots are positions occupied during the traverse for which images are available for mapping. (B) Summary of interpreted stratigraphic relationships between identified lithologic units along the Jezero crater floor traverse (A and B adapted from Crumpler et al., 2023; Fig. 19). (C) Orbital image of Jezero crater floor with the path of the Perseverance overlaid in white. (D) Inset of the crater floor campaign, with all Máaz abrasion patches shown (Guillaumes, Montpezat, Bellegarde, and Alfalfa), and the OEB (Octavia E. Butler) landing site indicated. The Guillaumes and Alfalfa abrasions are highlighted, as they are the focus of this article (altered from NASA). -- [Astrobiology (journal)]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Possible-Aqueous.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Posted inMars
The Possible Aqueous Origins of Manganese Alteration Minerals in the Máaz Formation of Jezero Crater
[Astrobiology (journal)] Home to a lake around 4 billion years ago, Jezero Crater is a unique location to study the interplay between igneous processes and aqueous alteration on ancient Mars.
Posted inCryobiology
Microbial Diversity In Pyrenean Ice Caves: Extreme Cryogenic Environments As Analogues For Extraterrestrial Habitability
[FEMS Microbes] Pyrenean ice caves are the least studies cryogenic environments that preserve perennial ice. These caves host microbial communities adapted to extreme oligotrophy, low temperatures, and episodic water availability, […]
Posted inUncategorized
UKs Key Habitable Worlds Observatory Instrument In NASA’s Hunt For Earth-like Worlds
[Royal Astronomical Society] UK astronomers are a step closer to playing a leading role in NASA’s search for alien life in the coming decades, after receiving £3million to continue developing […]