2024-12-16 00:18:00
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University of Edinburgh: Biologically designed structures can mimic planetary conditions
In a new study published in the journal Astrobiologyscientists argue that ecosystems are capable of creating and maintaining the conditions necessary for their survival, even without the presence of a planet.
The article, titled “Self-Sustaining Habitats for Living Organisms in Extraterrestrial Environments,” was writen by Robin Wordsworth, professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, and Charles Cockell, professor of Astrobiology at Harvard University’s School of Physics and astronomy. ‘University. of Edinburgh.
Wordsworth and Cockell argue that biologically designed barriers and structures can replicate planetary conditions, allowing life to exist outside of planets. These structures can allow light to pass through for photosynthesis while blocking ultraviolet radiation. They are able to prevent the escape of volatile substances into the vacuum and maintain the temperature and pressure ranges necessary to keep water in a liquid state.
“Biologically engineered barriers capable of transmitting visible light, blocking ultraviolet, and supporting temperature gradients of 25 to 100 K and pressure differences of up to 10 kPa relative to the vacuum of space could create conditions suitable for life at distances of 1 to 5 units astronomical in the solar system,” the authors note.
“To understand the limits of life beyond Earth, it is worth starting by analyzing why our planet is an environment suitable for the existence of life,” the researchers conclude.
The Earth not only provides liquid water and protection from radiation; it is a complex system with many interacting layers.
