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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation streaming from the sun "activates" chlorine compounds in the Red Planet's soil, turning them into potent microbe-killers, a new study suggests.
These compounds, known as perchlorates, seem to be widespread in the Martian dirt; several NASA missions have detected them at a variety of locations. Perchlorates have some characteristics that would appear to boost the Red Planet's habitability. They drastically lower the freezing point of water, for example, and they offer a potential energy source for microorganisms, scientists have said. [The Search for Life on Mars: A Photo Timeline]
But the new study, by Jennifer Wadsworth and Charles Cockell — both of the U.K. Centre for Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland — paints perchlorates in a different light. The researchers exposed the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, a common spacecraft contaminant, to perchlorates and UV radiation at levels similar to those found at and near the Martian surface. (Because Mars' atmosphere is just 1 percent as thick as that of Earth, UV fluxes are much higher on the Red Planet than on Earth.
I suspect that any base on Mars will need to grow their own food, possibly in greenhouse-like structures. On the other hand, I suppse they could use hydroponics to grow food in nutrient-film which would be more efficient perhaps.
I suspect that any base on Mars will need to grow their own food, possibly in greenhouse-like structures. On the other hand, I suppse they could use hydroponics to grow food in nutrient-film which would be more efficient perhaps.
That is so obvious it'e beyond ridiculous to mention it.
I suspect that any base on Mars will need to grow their own food, possibly in greenhouse-like structures. On the other hand, I suppse they could use hydroponics to grow food in nutrient-film which would be more efficient perhaps.
Having been in the US Antarctic Program in the past, they have been using an entirely self-contained greenhouse designed by the University of Arizona at South Pole Station for 15 years now.
One of the reasons they designed such a thing was for possible use on the Moon or Mars in the future. There will be no need to try and grow stuff in the Martian soil.
methane is organic carbon/hydrogen, water is hydrogen/oxygen, I do not think there is any lack of possibilities for growing different plant life on Mars.
They might have to process the fungi, lichen, or microorganisms before they are eaten, but I do not think any of that will be beyond science to sort out.
Well, wouldn't the total lack of any organic nutrients in Martian soil be a pretty big hindrance?
Indeed, especially given that organic matter is, by definition, a component of soil. Really, the term 'Martian soil' is thus a misnomer.
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