A new study has found that lichens can withstand the intense ionizing radiation that hits the surface of Mars. (The lichen in this photo is Cetraria aculeata.) (Image credit: Pensoft)
A recent study suggests that organisms known as lichens may be tough enough to survive on Mars.
Scientists came to this conclusion after exposing lichens in a laboratory to a year's worth of radiation typical for Mars for just one day – and these Earth-like life forms were able to survive the ordeal.
Mars is an extremely hostile environment for life. The Red Planet is essentially one vast desert with a thin atmosphere, freezing temperatures, and no liquid water on the surface. However, the most significant barrier to life on Mars is the lack of a strong magnetic field, which protects it from the constant exposure to ionizing radiation caused by cosmic rays and solar flares, which can damage living cells and cause mutations in their DNA.
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