The idea of life on Mars has long fascinated us, and now, Chinese scientists may have found a key element to making it a reality: desert moss.
According to China Global Television Network (CGTN), researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography discovered that Syntrichia caninervis, a type of moss, can endure conditions similar to those on Mars.
Testing the Resilience of Desert Moss
Syntrichia caninervis, native to Antarctica and the Mojave Desert, was tested by Xinjiang researchers under Mars-like conditions, with their findings published in The Innovation. The moss demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving near-total dehydration and quickly regenerating when returned to normal conditions. It also withstood exposure to gamma rays for up to 30 days at temperatures ranging from 196°C (384.8°F) to -80°C (-112°F).
The Red Planet's thin atmosphere fails to block gamma-ray radiation, a significant hazard to humans, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite this, the moss thrived after a week in a simulation that mimicked Mars' temperatures, gases, and other environmental factors.
Implications for Mars Colonization
The study's authors highlighted the potential of Syntrichia caninervis for space colonization, noting its adaptability to extreme stress conditions. They suggested that this promising moss could be used to test the feasibility of plant colonization on Mars and the Moon.
Growing plants on Mars is crucial for human colonization as they can provide essential oxygen and potentially serve as a food source. However, Prof. Stuart McDaniel from the University of Florida cautioned that Syntrichia caninervis has not yet proven its ability to generate oxygen on Mars.
Dr. Agata Zupanska from the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute acknowledged the promise of the Chinese research but warned against assuming that moss or any other species is ready to terraform Mars.
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