Lichens, cyanobacteria and molds growing in humidity of simulated Martian atmosphere: Difference between revisions

 

{{quote|The work presented here and work conducted in deserts around the world in the past 40 years, indicate that any putative microbial life on Mars would have likely colonized the insides of rocks and crusts, as they provide natural shelter against harmful radiation and also enhance the moisture conditions on a micro scale. Sulfate and chloride evaporitic deposits have been suggested as a possible oasis for an extant biota, or the last refuge for an extinct biota on the surface of Mars). In this context, terrestrial evaporite rocks, including the Ca-sulfate crusts of the dry core of the Atacama Desert as key terrestrial analogs of Martian aqueous deposits, might prove useful for assessing the habitability of the Martian surface, and develop or improve current strategies for the search for life on Mars}}

 

==Humidity observations of the Mars atmosphere by Curiosity==

Viking 1 and Curiosity didn't observe them directly. But there is indirect evidence that frosts may form at times at lower latitudes, including imaging of mists in the Valles Marineres, and possible observation of frost on deck and calibration target of Opportunity.

 

 

==References==