Despite high levels of radiation on Mars, a living fungus has been discovered there. This finding was made possible by NASA’s Perseverance rover, which was exploring the Jezero Crater. A detailed study of the fungus is planned for the near future.
This is reported by *Advances in Microbiology*.
The research team includes scientists from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and George Mason University. The discovered samples indicate the existence of fungal colonies on the Red Planet. Visually, they resemble tangles and clouds.
Many similar organisms exist on Earth. The high-resolution HiRISE camera was able to capture these unique fungi. They emerge from the Martian soil and grow actively, despite high levels of radiation. Low oxygen levels and extreme temperatures do not hinder their development.
Some specimens even possess stalks. Currently, traces of black fungal organisms have been found on Mars rovers.
Scientists suggest that these fungi were transported to Mars from Earth, where they subsequently adapted and thrived. They reached these conclusions based on the similarities between these alien life forms and those found on Earth.