Book 8, Question 118
Why Are Extremophiles on Earth Important for Space Biology?
Extremophiles on Earth are important for space biology because they show how tough life can be! These are microbes that love acid, heat, salt, or cold. They help scientists imagine where life could hang on in space.
More fun facts
- Some of these tough microbes are very hard to find even on Earth, so spotting them on Mars would be even harder.
- Some microbes are radiation resistant, and scientists study them to learn how life protects itself.
- The universe is full of radiation, so it may be one of the biggest things that decides where life could survive.
- On Earth, our magnetosphere and atmosphere are life's first shield against radiation from space.
- Space has extreme temperatures, radiation, tiny meteoroids and the Sun's unfiltered glare.
- NASA tests in extreme places on Earth to learn where life might exist in the universe.
Sources: NASA, NASA, NASA, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
Why study Earth life to learn about space life?
Earth is the only place we know has life, so tough Earth creatures show what life might handle elsewhere.