Microbes discovered in Antarctic lake broaden possibilities for extraterrestrial life

Quicklink submitted by Kyle McDermott Permalink
January 30, 2013

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Scientists drilling in Lake Whillans, a remote body of water buried 2,600 feet below the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, have discovered evidence of living bacteria. by Science Recorder

The announcement follows closely on the heels of an exciting discovery that microorganisms live within clouds in the troposphere. Taken together, these findings suggest that life is capable of thriving in an even broader range of environments than scientists previously thought possible, and could broaden the list of potential extraterrestrial habitats. Both the Lake Whillans discovery and the atmospheric microbe study are particularly interesting in that they involve life forms capable of thriving in conditions other than liquid surface water, an environment previously believed to be required for the development and sustenance of life. Jupiter's moon Europa, and Saturn's Enceladus are both believed to contain subsurface oceans of water, which could potentially play host to similarly resilient life forms.

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Very cool! by Scott Baker on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2013 at 10:15:28 AM

Thanks! by Kyle McDermott on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2013 at 7:27:25 PM