Bacteria On Earth May Help Us Find Life On Europa

Looking for life on another planet may start right here on our Earth. Researchers are studying bacteria found in a fjord in Canada to uncover clues about life on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons.

Europa is of interest to scientists looking for life on other celestial bodies because it contains an outer layer of water some 62 miles deep. The crust is frozen, but liquid water lurks underneath. Liquid water is considered the most important ingredient in the formation of biological life.

The fjord is a similar environment to the icy moon - it is both icy and contains sulphur, which is a rare combination here on Earth.

The scientists have identified miniscule amounts (in the parts per million) of protein, fatty acids, and other biomolecules important for organic life in the sulphurous ice of the Borup Fjord Pass in the Canadian Arctic.

"There is much evidence of bacterial activity," says Damhnait Gleeson, lead author of the study and currently member of the Centro de Astrobiologia in Spain.

The biosignatures detected there are associated with mineralized remains of microorganisms and extraceullular material. By using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, rosickyite, a rare type of sulphur associated with organic compounds, was found.

"We have discovered that elemental sulphur (S) can contain morphological, mineralogical and organic 'biosignatures' linked to bacterial activity. If they are found on Europa, this would suggest the possible presence of microorganisms," explains Gleeson.

Space agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency are already preparing missions to Europa to look for life and the findings will help them hone their energies towards effective techniques.