On the possibility of Galactic Cosmic Ray-induced radiolysis-powered life in subsurface environments in the Universe

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for life in subsurface environments to utilize Galactic Cosmic Ray-induced radiolysis as an energy source, proposing mechanisms and experimental tests for this alternative to photosynthesis.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that GCRs can provide a steady energy source for subsurface life via radiolysis and organic synthesis, supported by Monte Carlo simulations and proposed laboratory experiments.

Findings

GCRs can generate energy comparable to radioactive decay in subsurface environments.

Two mechanisms for GCR-based energy utilization are proposed: radiolysis and organic synthesis.

Implications for extraterrestrial life detection are discussed.

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a mechanism developed by terrestrial life to utilize the energy from photons of solar origin for biological use. Subsurface regions are isolated from the photosphere, and consequently are incapable of utilizing this energy. This opens up the opportunity for life to evolve alternate mechanisms for harvesting available energy. Bacterium Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator, found 2.8 km deep in a South African mine, harvests energy from radiolysis, induced by particles emitted from radioactive U, Th and K present in surrounding rock. Another radiation source in the subsurface environments is secondary particles generated by Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs). Using Monte Carlo simulations, it is shown that it is a steady source of energy comparable to that produced by radioactive substances, and the possibility of a slow metabolizing life flourishing on it cannot be ruled out. Two mechanisms are proposed through which GCR-induced secondary particles can be utilized for biological use in subsurface environments: (1) GCRs injecting energy in the environment through particle-induced radiolysis, and (2) organic synthesis from GCR secondaries interacting with the medium. Laboratory experiments to test these hypotheses are also proposed. Implications of these mechanisms on finding life in the Solar System and elsewhere in the Universe are discussed.