Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Space Lichens

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the now-thats-science-we-can-use dept.

moon_monkey writes "According to a report lichens - a composite of algae and fungi - can survive in space for up to two weeks. An experiment carried out by the European Space Agency saw two species of lichen carried into orbit and then exposed to the vacuum of space for nearly 15 days. These are the most complex form of life now known to have survived prolonged exposure to space. The experiment adds weight to the theory of panspermia - that life could somehow be transported between planets."

4 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. Panspermia by charlesbakerharris · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sounds like a neat theory, but it'd have to be an absolutely killer climax to have it hit escape velocity. I can't usually get more than 7-8 feet of distance even on a pent-up, high-pressure day.

  2. Reminds me of an old joke by Jeld · · Score: 5, Funny

    Question: How long can a human stay in space without a space suit?
    Answer: Almost indefinitely <evil grin>

    --

    Everybody Lies. But it doesn't matter since nobody listens.

  3. Obligatory NetHack by DanTheLewis · · Score: 5, Funny

    This space lichen corpse tastes terrible! You finish eating the space lichen corpse.

    --

    Q: What did the comedian say to the crowd?
    A: If I knew, this joke would be funny.
  4. Shoving will protect you by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 5, Funny

    So, The Terrible Secret of Space is... athlete's foot? That was sort of anticlimactic.

    --
    Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?