Quote:
Originally Posted by freeztar
Given my penchant for abiogenesis, I believe that bacteria could be excellent atmosphere formers, given the right starting conditions. This could warm up the "icy ball" much faster than trying to inject an artificial atmosphere, imho. Nonetheless, comets would seem to help the situation by providing more water and organic compounds.
On Earth, many extremophiles do quite well in icy conditions. Perhaps we should setup an experimental tardigrade station on Mars.  |
I think bacteria would be better atmosphere transformers than instigators. And, I'm not sure I think they could do well on mars in anything like its current conditions. Antarctica - or the south pole I should say - doesn't really have any liquid water. It is a cold desert for all intents and purposes. Mars is much more so. We could expect bacteria to do worse on mars than the south pole.
Perhaps we could engineer little warm-blooded bacteria that could survive in a vacuum and eat minerals and release oxygen. Not too far fetched - not really. That might be the quickest way to get things done. So, yes, I think you could be right. But, our bacteria is going to need some major upgrading.
-modest
