Life On Mars: Mars has an ice sheet. Scientists believe that there is life under this ice. Scientists conducted research, which found that there is a process like photosynthesis taking place. If this is true, the possibility of life under the ice increases.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is a process in which plants and algae such as algae produce chemical energy. Water and sunlight are very necessary for this. Most of the oxygen on Earth is produced by this process. However, according to a new study, there is a very large ice sheet on Mars, under which there is a possibility of life. Scientists believe that any living thing that survives the sun’s radiation can sustain itself through photosynthesis. This is called the radiative habitable zone. Only adequate amount of light is required for photosynthesis. However, that does not prove that there is life.
Predictions based on spacecraft data
Predictions of life on Mars are based on spacecraft data. Scientists have analyzed data from spacecraft such as NASA’s Mass Orbiter, Perseverance rover, Mars Sample Return and ExoMars. He then made a hypothesis based on this data. However, whether or not there really is life can be known only after going under the ice and investigating.
NASA statement
Inventor Aditya Khullar of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said, ‘We are not saying we have discovered life on Mars, but we believe there is a possibility of life beneath the dusty ice sheets on Mars. There may be more investigation about that in the future.’
Difference Between Earth and Mars
Both Earth and Mars fall in the habitable zone, which means life is possible there. Earth is proof of that, where the temperature is right and there is water. Earth has water, but Mars has more dry land. Spacecraft visiting Mars have observed dry rivers, lakes and canal-like lines that contained water millions of years ago. This has also been confirmed by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter orbiting Mars, although there is no water on Mars anymore.
Scientists’ new research claims: Mysterious life is hidden under the ice of Mars?
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is very high on Mars, which is dangerous for life. According to Aditya Khullar, Mars does not have an ozone shield like Earth, so radiation levels are 30 times higher.
Amount of ice on Mars
Mars has ice sheets, but it is very polluted. According to the data, the ice sheet is 2 to 15 inches thick, and has 0.1 percent dust on its surface, called Martian dust. Due to this pollution, ice sheets are 7 to 10 feet thick in many areas, providing protection from solar radiation and increasing the likelihood of life.
