Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets
Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets Discovery Overview: In July 2024 , scientists discovered the phenomenon of "dark oxygen" 13,100 feet deep in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. This deep ocean region is known for its rich deposits of metallic nodules containing manganese and iron. Key Features of Dark Oxygen Production: Oxygen Generation Without Sunlight: Metallic nodules on the seafloor were found to split seawater (H₂O) to produce oxygen without relying on sunlight. Traditional oxygen production on Earth primarily comes from photosynthesis , but dark oxygen challenges this assumption. Scientific and Astrobiological Implications: Potential for Life on Other Planets: Dark oxygen production suggests that oxygen-rich habitats could exist on planets without sunlight. This increases the possibility of discovering life on planets or moons with deep-sea or underground environments. Early Earth's Ecosyste...