The surface of Mars is sterilized by ionizing radiation and pervasive oxidants; its shallow subsurface, shielded from ultraviolet light and the most reactive oxidation, may instead preserve habitable conditions.
Radiolytic Habitable Zone
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mars, Radiation, Status Report
New Research Suggests Life Could Survive Beneath The Surface Of Mars And Other Planets Using High Energy Particles From Space
A new study from NYU Abu Dhabi has found that high-energy particles from space, known as cosmic rays, could create the energy needed to support life underground on planets and […]
Posted inBiophysics, Enceladus, Europa, Habitable Zones, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Radiation
Estimating The Potential Of Ionizing Radiation-induced Radiolysis For Microbial Metabolism On Terrestrial Planets And Satellites With Rarefied Atmospheres
Ionizing radiation is known to have a destructive effect on biology by causing damage to the DNA, cells, and production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), among other things.