Pluto bioenergetics
Keywords:
Biology, Physics, Microbial life, Energy flux, Habitability, Astrobiology, PlutoAbstract
This study explores the potential for microbial life on Pluto's surface by comparing estimated energy requirements of Earth's E. coli with Pluto's surface irradiance. The analysis suggests that, given a source of complex organic compounds, Pluto's energy flux may be sufficient to generate and sustain microbial life, challenging assumptions about Pluto's habitability based solely on its relatively limited energy flux.
References
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