Glowing Cave Minerals
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Scientists exploring South Dakota’s Wind Cave have discovered glowing minerals that shine in bright pinks, blues, and greens under ultraviolet light. These minerals, which naturally fluoresce due to their unique chemical makeup, could help researchers understand how life might survive in dark, extreme places—like underground caves on Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. The study, partly funded by NASA, shows how Earth's caves can serve as models for alien environments. By learning how these cave systems support chemical activity in the absence of sunlight, scientists are getting closer to figuring out where—and how—life might exist beyond our planet. It’s an exciting glimpse into the possibility of finding life in some of the most unexpected places in the solar system.
Image via NBC
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