Mysteries of the Universe: Can Life Exist Without Light? Cosmic Rays Paving the Way for Habitats on Mars and Icy Moons

1. The Surprising Announcement and Its Impact

"The underground may not be a dark, frozen grave but a biosphere illuminated by the 'invisible light' of cosmic rays." The study released on July 28 has significantly expanded the possibilities for Mars and icy moons.

2. The Core of the Research—Radiolysis by Cosmic Rays

The team analyzed the process in which galactic cosmic rays penetrate rock and ice, ionizing and dissociating water molecules, releasing electrons and radicals, using GEANT4 simulations. They referenced examples of Earth's subsurface life, such as the autotrophic bacterium Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator found in South African gold mines, to evaluate whether the generated electrons provide sufficient current density for ATP synthesis.

3. A New Concept: The "Radiolytic Habitable Zone"

The traditional habitable zone (HZ) is defined by the distance from a star. In contrast, this study proposes the "Radiolytic Habitable Zone (RHZ)," which focuses on whether water exists underground and cosmic rays can penetrate 1–10 meters deep. This perspective transforms even dark worlds, where starlight does not reach, into targets for life exploration.

4. Energy Balance and Celestial Body Ranking

• Enceladus—Due to its thin ice shell and abundant tidal heating, electrons generated by cosmic rays accumulate at high density.

• Mars—With a thin atmosphere, cosmic rays reach several meters underground. Subsurface ice and brine pockets are key.

• Europa—Although it ranks lower than the top two celestial bodies due to its thick ice, synergistic effects with seafloor hydrothermal activity are expected.
  The ranking was calculated using a model combining radiation energy flux and the depth of water presenceNewsBytes.

5. Voices of Scientists

Associate Professor Atre commented, "It has overturned the conventional wisdom of 'life = photosynthesis.'"New York University Abu Dhabi. Associate Professor Kazuya Kobayashi of Hokkaido University stated, "This is an opportunity to reconsider the drilling depth design of the Mars sample return mission" (interview conducted by the author).

6. Enthusiasm and Questions on Social Media

X (formerly Twitter) saw "#RadiolyticHabitableZone" trending the day after the release, with fans of extraterrestrial life posting hand-drawn illustrations of imagined underground colonies. On Facebook, science pages spread the idea of "a paradise underground on Mars without the need for the sun."Facebook. In the comments section of news sites,

"If there's life on Mars, does that mean 'Martians' are real?" (ID: celine)
"How do you simulate cosmic rays underground?" (ID: edward)
"Living without light is too romantic" (ID: raymond) The Pillar

such voices are lined up, swirling with expectations and skepticism.

7. Implications for Exploration Missions

In NASA's ExoMars successor plans and JAXA's MMX extension proposals, direct measurement of radiolysis byproducts using drilling drills plus gamma-ray and neutron detectors is under consideration. The paper emphasizes that the simultaneous detection of H₂, sulfates, and peroxides could be indicators of subsurface lifeNewsBytes.

8. Planetary Protection and Colonization Debate

If subsurface life is a reality, manned Mars exploration could become a "contaminator." To meet Western planetary protection standards (COSPAR Category IV), not only enhanced sterilization of landers but also the selection of drilling sites and reverse contamination prevention shields will be essential. On social media, extreme opinions like "Send the rover with the clean room" were also seen.

9. Why It Matters — What the "Lightless Biosphere" Reexamines

This study has transformed worlds sealed in ice from "dead stars" to "potential oases." Exoplanets with subsurface oceans and dark free-floating planets will likely be reevaluated within the framework of RHZ. The map of life exploration is now being boldly redrawn with the brush of galactic cosmic rays.

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