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Scientists Discover Way to Send Information into Black Holes Without Using Energy

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How Long Could Earth Microbes Live on Mars?

Mars has always fascinated humans. It looks dry, cold, and lifeless today, but scientists believe that long ago it may have had rivers, lakes, and even oceans. Because of this, searching for life on Mars is the main goal of almost every mission sent to the Red Planet. Orbiters study Mars from space, while landers and rovers explore its surface closely, drilling rocks and studying soil.

However, there is an important problem scientists must deal with before celebrating any discovery of life on Mars. The problem is simple but serious: what if the life we find actually came from Earth?

This concern is called forward contamination. It means Earth microbes accidentally traveling to Mars on spacecraft. Even with extreme cleaning, it is very difficult to remove every single microorganism from a spacecraft. Some microbes are incredibly tough and can survive conditions that seem impossible.

To better understand this risk, scientists have developed a new scientific tool called the Mars Microbial Survival (MMS) model. This model helps answer a key question: If Earth microbes reach Mars, how long could they survive there?

Why Are Earth Microbes a Problem on Mars?

Earth is full of life, including bacteria and other tiny organisms that we cannot see with our eyes. These microbes are everywhere—on our skin, in the air, and even in places like deep oceans and icy mountains.

Some microbes can survive:

  • Extreme cold

  • Intense radiation

  • Very dry conditions

  • Long periods without food

Because of this, scientists worry that a few microbes could survive a journey to Mars. If they do, they might:

  • Be mistaken for real Martian life

  • Change the natural environment of Mars

  • Ruin scientific experiments

This is why space agencies take planetary protection very seriously.

What Is the Mars Microbial Survival (MMS) Model?

The MMS model is a scientific method created by researchers led by York University in Canada. Instead of guessing, this model uses real data from Mars and past missions to calculate how fast microbes would die in Martian conditions.

The model answers questions like:

  • How harmful is space radiation to microbes?

  • How deadly is the Martian surface?

  • How long could microbes survive inside a spacecraft?

The researchers published their findings in The Planetary Science Journal, helping scientists better understand the true risk of forward contamination.

Understanding a Mars Day: What Is a Sol?

Before going further, it helps to understand one important term.

A Mars sol is one full day on Mars.

  • One sol = 24 hours and 39 minutes

  • Slightly longer than an Earth day

Scientists use sols to measure time on Mars, just like we use days on Earth.

What Happens During the Trip to Mars?

The journey from Earth to Mars can take several months. During this time, the spacecraft travels through space in what scientists call the cruise phase.

Conditions During the Cruise Phase

During this phase, the spacecraft faces:

  • Vacuum (almost no air)

  • Strong sunlight

  • Ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation

UVC radiation is extremely dangerous for microbes. It damages their DNA, making it impossible for them to reproduce or survive for long.

MMS Model Findings

The MMS model shows that:

  • Most microbes on the outside of the spacecraft die during the journey

  • Solar radiation is very effective at killing microbes

  • Microbes inside the spacecraft are better protected but still weakened

So, even before reaching Mars, many Earth microbes are already destroyed.

What Happens When the Spacecraft Lands on Mars?

Mars is not a friendly place for Earth life.

Unlike Earth, Mars:

  • Has no strong magnetic field

  • Has no ozone layer

  • Is exposed to intense radiation

Mars Surface Conditions

On the surface of Mars, microbes face:

  • Very cold temperatures

  • Extremely low air pressure

  • Toxic soil (called regolith)

  • Almost no water

All of these conditions are deadly for Earth-based life.

How Fast Do Microbes Die on Mars?

Using data from 14 past Mars landing and crash sites, including missions like Viking, Curiosity, and Perseverance, the MMS model made several important predictions.

External Surfaces

  • Upward-facing surfaces become sterile in about one Mars sol

  • Entire spacecraft exteriors become sterile in about one Mars year

    • One Mars year = 687 Earth days

This means Mars itself acts like a powerful natural sterilizer.

What About Inside the Spacecraft?

The inside of a spacecraft offers more protection, but it is still a harsh environment.

Heated Internal Parts

Some spacecraft parts heat up during operation.

  • These areas become sterile in about 100 Mars sols

Unheated Internal Parts

Some areas stay cold and are only affected by low pressure.

  • These areas may take much longer to sterilize

  • In extreme cases, microbes could survive up to 25 Mars years

That sounds like a long time, but survival does not mean growth. These microbes would be weak, inactive, and unable to spread.

Overall Results of the MMS Model

The study reached some clear conclusions:

  • Survival of Earth microbes on Mars is very unlikely

  • Solar radiation kills microbes quickly

  • Mars surface conditions finish the job

  • Only a tiny number of microbes might survive inside protected spacecraft parts

  • Even then, they would remain inactive and isolated

In simple words: Mars is extremely hostile to Earth life.

Why This Research Is Important

This research helps scientists in several ways:

  • Improves confidence in Mars life-detection missions

  • Helps design safer future spacecraft

  • Reduces fear of false discoveries

  • Supports strong planetary protection policies

Organizations like NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory already follow strict rules to clean spacecraft before launch. The MMS model shows that these efforts, combined with Mars’s harsh environment, are very effective.

Does This Mean We Can Relax Sterilization Rules?

No. Scientists agree that high planetary protection standards are still necessary. Even if Mars kills most microbes, preventing contamination from the start is always better.

However, the MMS model helps scientists understand:

  • Which parts of spacecraft need the most attention

  • How natural Mars conditions reduce risk

  • How to balance safety, cost, and mission success

A Careful and Hopeful Future

The search for life on Mars is one of humanity’s greatest scientific adventures. Every rover, lander, and future sample-return mission brings us closer to answering an ancient question: Are we alone in the universe?

Thanks to tools like the Mars Microbial Survival model, scientists can explore Mars with greater confidence. The results show that while a few Earth microbes might survive for some time, Mars is not a place where Earth life can easily live or spread.

With careful planning, strict protection rules, and better science, we can continue exploring Mars—without bringing Earth along with us.

Reference: Grace Bischof et al, A Mars Microbial Survival Model: Calculating Bioburden Reductions for Past Mars Spacecraft to Estimate Forward Contamination on Mars, The Planetary Science Journal (2026). DOI: 10.3847/psj/ae38b4

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