Antarctica as Model for the Possible Emergence of Life on Europa

Abstract

We highlight three aspects of life on the Antarctic continent that are relevant for astrobiology: Firstly, the poorly known ecosystem of Lake Vostok; secondly, the ecosystems that are well-understood in the dry valley lakes of Victoria Land, especially in Taylor Valley and, finally, the recently discovered microbially-produced patches in Blood Falls. These three environments are appropriate models of possible habitats that will be explored by the European Space Agency JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission. The icy surfaces of Ganymede, as well as Europa and are objectives of JUICE, in order to search for general geophysical features, but especially the search for biomarkers—the question of habitability—will be high amongst the mission priorities.