Date/Time
Date(s) - Tue 25 August
17:30 - 19:30
Location
Lecture Theatre Two (RHLT2), Ground Floor, Rutherford House, VUW
Description
For most of Earth’s history, life was microscopic and, even today, microorganisms dominate the planet. If life exists beyond Earth, scientists believe it likely began as microorganisms and may remain at this stage.
Although covered with ice, several moons of the outer Solar System contain subsurface oceans holding many times the volume of liquid water found on Earth. These oceans may provide the greatest volume of habitable space in our Solar System, with Jupiter’s moon Europa holding perhaps the greatest potential as a modern habitat for microbial life.
More than 600 Antarctic subglacial lakes—estimated collectively to contain about 7% of all lake water on Earth—provide examples of how life can adapt to cold, dark environments comparable to Europa.
In this special public presentation, Professor John Priscu will describe biologically functional subglacial ecosystems in Antarctica and consider them alongside what we know about the geochemistry of Europa. Together, the evidence provides a compelling case that Europa’s sub-ice ocean could support microbial life—and possibly a second origin of life, independent of Earth.
Discovering life on Europa or elsewhere in the outer Solar System would have an enormous impact on science and society.
The presentation will be followed by audience questions.
18:00 – Welcome and introduction
18:10 – Professor Priscu’s presentation
18:55 – Audience Q&A
19:30 – Event concludes
This event is presented collaboratively by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Professor Priscu’s visit to Aotearoa New Zealand is supported by the Embassy of the United States in New Zealand.