Microastronauts

2000/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astronomia

According to a theory that explains the origin of life on Earth, a meteorite from another planet brought microbes that settled and proliferated on our planet. The University of Maryland Institute of Biotechnology will conduct a space essay on the correction of this theory, taking advantage of the rocket launched by NASA. The microbes called Archaea will be placed in the rocket and analyzed if they can withstand the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun.

Interplanetary space is full of solar radiation, so a way of life from another planet should be able to withstand such radiation. Scientists will examine the DNA of Archaea microbes to check whether it is damaged or not and, where appropriate, the extent of the damage. Archaea microbes withstand very demanding temperature and pressure conditions and scientists also believe they are able to withstand methane and radiation.