SOURCE: AFI
A groundbreaking discovery in the heart of India’s “cold desert” could redefine the quest for extraterrestrial life. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have unearthed magnetofossils – remnants of magnetic bacteria – embedded within rock varnish layers of Ladakh.
This remarkable find, detailed in the journal Planetary and Space Science, suggests that life can flourish in the most extreme conditions. Rock varnish, a dark, mineral-rich coating on rocks, is commonly found in arid, cold regions. While previously considered inorganic, this research indicates a significant biological component.
Ladakh’s harsh environment, mirroring certain Martian conditions, makes it a prime location to study life’s resilience. By deciphering the biological signatures within rock varnish, scientists can refine their search for potential life on Mars and other celestial bodies. This discovery is a monumental leap forward in astrobiology and could significantly influence future space missions, particularly those focused on identifying habitable environments.
ISRO and other space agencies are likely to incorporate these findings into their Mars exploration plans, aiming to uncover traces of past or present life on the Red Planet. As the scientific community delves deeper into this exciting discovery, the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life seems to be inching closer to reality.