Searching for Life Beyond Earth: Lessons from Antarctica
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.
17:30 – Doors open, welcome and introductions
18:00 – Professor Priscu’s presentation starts, followed by
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.
FAQs
- Is there really life beneath Antarctica’s ice?
Yes. Scientists have discovered active microbial ecosystems in Antarctic lakes and beneath the ice sheet, surviving without sunlight in extremely cold conditions. John Priscu has helped lead research investigating these remarkable environments.
- What does Antarctica have to do with life in space?
Antarctica provides some of Earth’s closest analogues for cold and icy environments elsewhere in the Solar System. Studying how life survives beneath Antarctic ice helps scientists design ways to search for life on worlds such as Europa, an ice-covered moon of Jupiter.
- Do I need a science background?
Not at all. The presentation is designed for curious people, whether you are a scientist, student, Antarctic enthusiast, space fan, or simply someone who wonders whether we are alone.
- Is this suitable for young people?
Yes. The talk will be particularly interesting for secondary students considering science, environmental research, Antarctic exploration or space-related careers. Younger children who can enjoy a full public lecture are also welcome with an accompanying adult.
- Can I ask John a question?
Absolutely. The presentation will be followed by audience questions.
- Has John Priscu worked in New Zealand before?
Yes. Early in his career, John worked at the DSIR Taupō Research Laboratory, conducted research aboard New Zealand’s RV Tangaroa, and participated in the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme.
- Is the event free?
Yes, but registration is required because seating is limited. If you book and later cannot attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place.
- Will the event be available online?
Yes, but in-person attendance is recommended for the best possible experience; we cannot guarantee the sound quality on the webcast.
You must register for the event to receive the webcast link before the event.
- Where can I learn more about John’s research?
Visit the Priscu Research Group at Montana State University to explore his research into Antarctic lakes, microbial ecosystems and life beneath the ice.
Lineup
John Priscu
John Priscu is Emeritus Regents Professor of Ecology at Montana State University and an internationally recognised Antarctic scientist and astrobiologist. His research focuses on the microbiology and biogeochemistry of icy environments. He was Chief Scientist of the Subglacial Antarctic Lakes Scientific Access (SALSA) project and served as Executive Committee member and Chief Scientist of the Whillans Ice Stream Subglacial Access Research Drilling (WISSARD) project. He was also Co-Director of Montana State University's Centre for Astrobiology. Earlier in his career, John Priscu worked at New Zealand's DSIR Taupō Research Laboratory, conducted research aboard RV Tangaroa, and participated in the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme. His work on Antarctic lakes, the McMurdo Dry Valleys and aquatic environments hidden beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet connects Antarctic exploration with fundamental questions about habitability and the search for life on icy worlds beyond Earth. Two cold-adapted Antarctic microorganisms, Chlamydomonas priscuii and Psychrobacter priscuii, have been named in his honour.
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