NEW DELHI: Scientists have made a new discovery in Ladakh that could revolutionise the search for extraterrestrial life.

Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have identified magnetofossils – fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria – in rock varnish layers in the region known as India’s “cold desert.”

This finding, published in Planetary and Space Science, suggests that biotic processes play a crucial role in the formation of rock varnish, demonstrating how life can thrive in extreme environments.

Rock varnish, a dark-coloured natural coating rich in manganese, iron, and clay minerals, forms on rock surfaces and fractures in extremely dry and cold environments, and is believed to provide nutritional support to microbiota.

Ladakh’s harsh climate, characterised by high UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and limited water availability, makes it an ideal terrestrial analogue for Martian conditions.

Dr. Amritpal Singh Chaddha and Dr. Anupam Sharma, lead researchers at BSIP, analyzed rock varnish samples from Ladakh using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Their analysis revealed nanochains of magnetofossils and higher concentrations of oxidized manganese and carboxylic acid, indicating organic signatures.

The similarity between Ladakh’s rock varnish and that observed on Mars during Nasa’s Perseverance rover operations inspired this research. The study’s findings highlight the potential of rock varnish as an archive of ancient environmental records and a valuable resource for astrobiological studies.

This discovery has significant implications for future space exploration.

By identifying biotic signatures in rock varnish, scientists can better target potential biosignatures on Mars and other celestial bodies, enhancing the search for extraterrestrial life.

The research provides crucial insights for planning future missions by space agencies like Isro, particularly in Mars exploration where identifying habitable environments is a primary objective.

As we continue to explore the possibilities of life beyond Earth, studies like this from Ladakh serve as stepping stones, bridging our understanding of extreme terrestrial environments with the potential for life in the cosmos.

Agencies

KR Desk