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Studies in the search for life on Mars
J Koike1, T Oshima, K Kobayashi
1Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Certain viruses and bacterial spores demonstrated significant survival capabilities under simulated Martian conditions, including low temperatures and irradiation. This finding has implications for understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Microbiology
- Extraterrestrial life studies
Background:
- The possibility of life originating beyond Earth is a significant scientific question.
- Understanding microbial survival in extraterrestrial environments is crucial for astrobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival rates of various microorganisms under simulated Martian environmental conditions.
- To assess the potential for life to persist on Mars.
Main Methods:
- Simulated Martian conditions were created using a cryostat, replicating low temperature, proton irradiation, UV irradiation, and a specific Martian atmospheric composition (CO2, N2, water vapor).
- Viruses (tobacco mosaic virus) and microbial spores (Bacillus, Aspergillus, Clostridium, coccus) were exposed to these simulated conditions.
Main Results:
- Tobacco mosaic virus showed significant survival.
- Spores from Bacillus, Aspergillus, Clostridium, and certain cocci species exhibited notable survival rates after exposure.
- Yeast and fungi survival data was not explicitly detailed in the provided abstract.
Conclusions:
- Certain microbial forms, particularly viruses and bacterial spores, possess a degree of resilience to simulated Martian environmental stressors.
- The findings suggest that microbial life, under specific conditions, could potentially survive or persist on Mars.