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Asteroids Could Reseed a Devastated Earth

Rock-dwelling microorganisms would make it back from space

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(Newser) – If a comet ever obliterates life on Earth, don't worry—space rocks could later fall in and reseed a few basic life forms. A new study shows that organisms can survive being hit by a meteor, ejected into space, and hurtled back to Earth on the face of a rock—which is good news should we ever go the way of the dinosaurs, Astrobiology reports.

Researchers smashed life-filled rocks with metal plates, simulating the pressures they would face being jolted into space. Other studies have showed life would endure re-entry, but the initial departure was still a question mark. So, rest easy: "A re-seeding scenario on a planetary surface is possible with diverse organisms,” the study said.

Mars in 2003.
Mars in 2003.   (AP Photo/NASA, FILE)
The striking Maunder crater on Mars.
The striking Maunder crater on Mars.   (AP Photo/NASA)
A Perseid meteor flashes across the constellation Andromeda on Aug. 12, 1997.
A Perseid meteor flashes across the constellation Andromeda on Aug. 12, 1997.   (AP Photo/SkyandTelescope.com, Rick Scott and Joe Orman)
A computer-generated simulation shows an asteroid striking Earth.
A computer-generated simulation shows an asteroid striking Earth.   (Getty Images)
A Hubble Space Telescope image of thousands of sparkling young stars nestled within the giant nebula NGC 3603.
A Hubble Space Telescope image of thousands of sparkling young stars nestled within the giant nebula NGC 3603.   (AP Photo)
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