The Chilean Atacama Desert is very much like the Martian conditions (high temperatures and dryness). But algae and bacteria that survived can help in the search for Martian life.
The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile. In terms of dryness, reds and high temperatures, it perfectly copies Martian conditions. Incredibly, life is present in this hell in the form of tiny algae and bacteria. And if they managed to accomplish such a feat here, then why not repeat it at a distance of 225 million km?
“If there is life there, then it would strongly resemble this one,” said biologist Christina Dorador of the University of Antofagasta. - “True, we still have no evidence. But if we realize how these microorganisms survive and whence they take moisture, then we will be able to understand how the Martian organisms do this and according to what principles and rules they adapt. ”
By scrapping a surface
Dorador analyzes the fragments in a mobile laboratory, which she moves with her across the desert in an attempt to find tiny life forms.
Christina Dorador is one of a dozen scientists from different countries who are involved in Martian projects in the Atacama Desert. In February of last year, NASA conducted the second stage of tests - they sent rovers with a drilling rig into the desert to test them on the ground. They believe that in conditions of strong radiation and intense solar radiation, life could be saved only underground.
Curiosity
Space agencies and science fiction writers have always closely followed Mars.
A mobile research station allows you to study algae and bacteria right in the Atacama Desert.
For four years now, Curiosity has been researching the Martian surface in search of life. He sends photos that are very similar to the landscape of the Atacama. In 2018, NASA plans to launch another robot on the Red Planet. In 2020, Russia and the European Space Agency will join them to drill the ground.
US President Donald Trump continued the policy of Barack Obama. Therefore, in the 2030s, we can rely on a human mission to Mars. Already there traces of water and methane gas are noted that it is fueled more by hope and curiosity.
