49 Million-Year-Old Microbes Open Scenarios for Extraterrestrial Life

Researchers have discovered microorganisms in caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico that use light for energy in conditions of complete darkness. Cave biologist Hazel Barton and microbiologist Lars Behrendt identified green colonies of cyanobacteria that absorb near-infrared light.

The caves, formed 4 to 11 million years ago, are home to microbes that use a form of chlorophyll capable of absorbing infrared radiation, which is more prevalent in the dark areas of the caves.

The discovery suggests that life can exist in environments with longer wavelength light radiation, such as that emitted by red dwarfs, expanding the possibilities of habitable exoplanets. The researchers plan to continue research to determine the minimum light levels required for photosynthetic life, aiming to aid missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

Detecting elements such as oxygen in exoplanets remains an important indicator of life, but the possibility of life existing in faint light increases the chances of discovering habitable worlds.

Source: Πρώτο Θέμα