Deep below Earth's surface, rock and mineral formations lay hidden with a secret brilliance. Under a black light, the chemicals fossilized within shine in brilliant hues of pink, blue and green. Scientists are using these fluorescent features to understand how the caves formed and how life is supported in extreme environments, which may reveal how life could persist in faraway places, like Jupiter's icy moon Europa.
The researchers will present their results at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
As it turns out, the chemistry in South Dakota's Wind Cave is likely similar to places like Europa -- and easier to reach. This is why astrobiologist Joshua Sebree, a professor at the University of Northern Iowa, ended up hundreds of feet underground investigating the minerals and lifeforms in these dark, cold conditions.
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