Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
A recent study suggests that conditions suitable for photosynthesis, a process crucial for life, could exist under dusty ice in Mars’ mid-latitudes, raising possibilities for subsurface life on the Red Planet.
Credit : NASA
Researchers propose that beneath thick layers of Martian ice, enough sunlight could pass through to support photosynthesis, while the ice filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation. This creates “radiative habitable zones” that could protect potential microbial life.
Photosynthesis requires light and water. On Mars, the ice could help melt subsurface layers, providing liquid water while still blocking dangerous radiation. These conditions could allow photosynthesis to take place, though no direct evidence of life has been found.
Credit : NASA
Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a protective magnetic field and atmosphere, making the surface inhospitable. However, dusty ice layers could protect any potential life by blocking radiation, while still allowing sunlight for energy production.
Computer models suggest that ice containing small amounts of dust can melt from within on Mars. This creates a potential habitable environment, where sunlight reaches subsurface water. Ice with 0.01% to 0.1% dust could form such zones at depths of 5 to 38 centimeters.
Credit : NASA
The study points to mid-latitude regions of Mars as the best places to search for these radiative habitable zones. Polar regions are less likely candidates due to colder temperatures and lack of melting.
Similar environments on Earth, such as “cryoconite holes” in glaciers, provide analogs. These holes form when dark dust melts ice and creates liquid water underneath, where microorganisms have been found to thrive.
The study’s lead researcher, Aditya Khuller, and his team are planning further simulations and laboratory experiments to explore how Martian ice could melt and potentially support life. These findings offer new directions for future Mars exploration missions.