Microorganisms protecting themselves (from radiation poisoning) by growing a husk of calcium carbonate -hypothesis

Microorganisms protecting themselves (from radiation poisoning) by growing a husk of calcium carbonate

calcium carbonate husk top right quadrant

Sol 3731: Chemistry & Camera (ChemCam)

This image was taken by CHEMCAM_RMI onboard NASA's Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3731 (2023-02-03T14:24:10.000Z)

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL

coral-like growth

Sol 3728: Mast Camera (Mastcam)

This image was taken by MAST_RIGHT onboard NASA's Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3728 (2023-01-31T13:51:56.000Z)

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

seasonal subteranean brine seepage accelerates microorganism growth:

seasonal subteranean brine seepage

Sol 3728: Left Navigation Camera

This image was taken by NAV_LEFT_B onboard NASA's Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 3728 (2023-01-31T18:03:27.000Z)

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech