The snow algae found in the "ice coils" could suggest an extraterrestrial life in Pluto

Snow algae have been discovered in high altitude ice arrows in the remote Andes, a possible sign of extraterrestrial life for Pluto.

The microbes were discovered in Chile, near Llullaillaco, the second highest volcano in the world. It is one of the harshest environments on the planet, hosting extreme winds, temperature fluctuations and high exposure to ultraviolet light.

The penitents are pinnacle-shaped structures that can reach a height of 15 feet and are only found at high altitudes in the dry Andes. They have been discovered on Pluto and are believed to exist on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons.

New search published in Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research details the first signs of life encountered in this type of extreme environment.

A biologist from the University of Colorado at Boulder noted a red coloring – a telltale sign of microbial activity – in penitential fields at an altitude of 16,000 feet. After reporting samples for analysis, the researchers confirmed the presence of two species of algae in the ice, the first documentation of any life form in such an environment.

Steve Schmidt, professor of microbiology and co-author of the study, said: "We are generally interested in adaptations of organisms to extreme environments. This could be a good place to look for the upper limits of life. "

According to the researchers, these arrows provide shelter for microbes by providing a source of water in an otherwise arid and nutrient-poor environment.

Dr. Schmidt said, "This is a very isolated and difficult to access area. The back of one of our pickup trucks had to be filled with barrels of drinking water. It is not an easy task to go there, and that is one of the reasons why these formations have not been studied much. "

Lara Vimercati, lead author of the study and PhD student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, added: "Snow algae have often been found in the cryosphere on patches of ice and snow. extreme elevation of a hyper-arid site.

"It is interesting to note that most of the snow algae found on this site are closely related to other known snow algae from alpine and polar environments."

The name "penitente" comes from the Spanish word meaning "penitent" and comes from their resemblance to a procession of monks in white robes doing penance.

They form in snowfields subjected to a unique combination of high radiation, low humidity and dry winds.

Ms. Vimercati said, "Our study shows that, whatever the environmental conditions, life finds its way when there is availability of liquid water."