There could be life under the surface of Mars and on the icy moons – thanks to cosmic rays

A new study has found that highly energetic particles in space, known as cosmic rays, can create the energy needed to sustain underground life on planets and moons of our solar system – which implies many more places in the universe where life can exist.

The investigation shows that the cosmic rays They can not only be harmless in certain environments, but also help microscopic life survive.

The discovery challenges the traditional view that life can only exist near sunlight or volcanic heat.

Recently published in International Journal of Astrobiology, it was led by Dimitra atriinvestigador principal do Center for Astrophysics and Space Science da New York University Abu Dhabi.

The team focused on what happens when the cosmic rays reach water or the ice in the underground. The impact breaks the water molecules and releases particles Tiny – our acquaintances electron.

Some bacteria on Earth can use these electrons to get energyas plants use sunlight. This process is called Radiolise And it can boost life even in dark and cold environments without sunlight.

Using computer simulations, researchers studied the amount of energy that this process could produce on Mars and in the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

It is thought that these moons, which are covered by thick layers of ice, have water hidden under its surfaces. The study concluded that the cold moon of Saturn is the most potential To support life this way, followed by Mars and after Jupiter’s moon, Europe.

“This discovery changes the way we think About where life can exist, ”said Atri.“ Instead of looking only for warm sunlight, we can now consider cold and dark places as long as they have some water under the surface and are exposed to cosmic rays. Life may be able to survive than we ever imagined. ”

The study introduces a New idea called radiolytic habitable zone.

Unlike the traditional habitable zone-the area around a star where a planet can have liquid surface water-this new zone focuses on locations where water exists underground and can be energized by cosmic radiation.

Since the cosmic rays are scattered throughout the spacethis may mean that there are many more places in the universe where life can exist.

The findings provide New guidelines for future space missions. Instead of seeking only signs of surface life, scientists will also be able to explore underground environments on Mars and icy moons, using tools that can detect the chemical energy created by cosmic radiation.

This investigation Opens new and exciting possibilities In search of life beyond the earth and suggests that even the darkest and coldest places of the solar system can have the proper conditions for the survival of life.