Skip to main content

Antarctica’s Lake Enigma, once thought to be entirely frozen, has revealed a hidden microbial ecosystem thriving beneath 14 meters of ice. Scientists uncovered this surprising discovery using radar surveys and drilling, identifying a vast body of liquid water teeming with life, including ultrasmall bacteria never observed before.

The lake’s harsh environment, with an average temperature of -14 °C, had previously been considered inhospitable to life. The discovery challenges these assumptions and offers valuable insights into how microbial life persists in extreme conditions. This breakthrough has implications beyond Earth, potentially guiding the search for extraterrestrial life on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus.

Satellite imagery: Lake Enigma, Antarctica
Lake Enigma, Antarctica. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

This striking image, captured by a Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite on January 6, showcases the icy expanse of Lake Enigma.

Copernicus Sentinel satellites play a vital role in monitoring remote bodies of water, offering open data that supports researchers in uncovering the mysteries of Earth’s most extreme environments.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Data gaps in 193 countries hinder progress on UN 2030 Agenda
Graphic: Pulse of Progress: The State of Global SDG Data in 2023
Data gaps in 193 countries hinder progress on UN 2030 AgendaNews

Data gaps in 193 countries hinder progress on UN 2030 Agenda

Governments and international organizations rely heavily on data to make informed decisions about a wide range of issues, from energy policy to public health. However,…
Adrian AlexandreAdrian AlexandreSeptember 17, 2024 Full article
Hurricane Oscar leaves six dead in Cuba: president
Illustration 3d letter blocks forming the word news
Hurricane Oscar leaves six dead in Cuba: presidentNews

Hurricane Oscar leaves six dead in Cuba: president

Havana, Cuba (AFP) - Hurricane Oscar left six people dead after hitting Cuba over the weekend during a major power blackout, President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced…
SourceSourceOctober 22, 2024 Full article
Portugal lawmakers take step toward deep-sea mining ban
Image: Working industrial cargo ship in the sea (mining)
Portugal lawmakers take step toward deep-sea mining banNews

Portugal lawmakers take step toward deep-sea mining ban

Lisbon, Portugal | AFP The Portuguese parliament on Friday took a first step towards banning deep-sea mining in the country's territorial waters, which would be…
SourceSourceJanuary 31, 2025 Full article