Discovery in Dark Caves Challenges Habitable Zone Theories

Cave biologist Hazel Barton has identified organisms in complete darkness that utilize energy from light. This groundbreaking discovery suggests the potential for life in locations within the Universe previously thought to be uninhabitable.

This discovery suggests the potential for life in locations within the Universe previously thought to be uninhabitable.

Barton observed a vibrant green wall in a cave, indicating microbial life present in an environment devoid of light.

The Carlsbad Caverns Network

This finding occurred within a network of 119 caves located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, part of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The caves were formed four to 11 million years ago through the dissolution of limestone rocks by sulphuric acid.

Carlsbad Cavern, a prominent feature of the park, is a large, accessible limestone cave. It measures approximately 4,000ft (1,220m) in length and 625ft (191m) in width. Lars Behrendt, a microbial biologist, confirmed the cave's accessibility, noting that certain sections are wheelchair-friendly.