Armando Azua-Bustos: The most Martian place on Earth

The most Martian place on Earth

How can you study Mars without a spaceship? Head to the most Martian place on Earth -- the Atacama Desert in Chile. Astrobiologist Armando Azua-Bustos grew up in this vast, arid landscape and now studies the rare life forms that have adapted to survive there, some in areas with no reported rainfall for the past 400 years. Explore the possibility of finding life elsewhere in the universe without leaving the planet with this quick, funny talk.

Studying the Atacama Desert, where some regions have seen no rain for over 400 years, offers insights into how life might persist on Mars. Microalgae in the Atacama survive by drawing water from fog and dew, even thriving on spiderwebs or deep within caves with nearly no light. Underground, researchers found microorganisms clinging to life in extreme dryness, suggesting that even the most inhospitable environments can harbor surprises. These discoveries reshape our search for life beyond Earth and expand what we consider possible.

The Driest Desert on Earth Holds Clues to Life on Mars

*Are we alone among aaaaall these stars?*

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