Discovering life in the world's most Martian-like place
The Atacama Desert in South America usually has only one rain in a decade, this frequency may even be lower. But there are still small bacteria and microorganisms that survive in such an environment, and this may contain similar information about life on Mars.
According to Express, the Atacama desert in Chile did not have any significant rain from 1570 to 1971. This is the place on Earth that resembles Mars most.
Atacama Desert in Chile is the most Mars-like site on Earth.
Studies conducted by NASA also concluded that the Atacama desert is the driest in the world with an average rainfall of only about 1mm / year.
Temperatures in this nearly barren land can reach about 40 degrees Celsius while mountain peaks are still covered in snow.
Now, scientists claim life on Red Planet is possible when they discover life on the Atacama desert.
Although the desert lacks water and has strong ultraviolet radiation, life is still found in this harsh environment.
Scientists say that if there is life on Mars, they will happen inside caves or underground.
Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world with an average rainfall of only 1mm / year.
Chilean biologist Armando Azua said: "Atacama is the driest and oldest desert on Earth, 150 million years old. In this desert, you can see life in the past on Mars."
Biologists have found some form of life adapted to desert conditions. In it, a spider adapted by living on a spider web, utilizing water droplets deposited on the spider web in the morning.
However, scientists still find many organisms that adapt to the harsh life in the Atacama desert.
In addition, the researchers also found 70 species of microorganisms. In particular, they discovered a shocking thing when going deep into the desert, according to Express. Mr. Azua said: "1 meter deep underground, we find bacteria".
Azua's team is working with NASA to send a small greenhouse filled with seeds to the Moon and Mars to see how they will grow in space.
This mission will help determine which planets can become human settlements in the future if Earth's population continues to increase.
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