3 ms·
I wonder if something like this could basically be a time capsule for germs/viruses/pathogens that no longer exist? Could that ever be a risk?
by kamranjon 1y ago
I wonder if something like this could basically be a time capsule for germs/viruses/pathogens that no longer exist? Could that ever be a risk?
- bobxmax 1y agoHighly unlikely given sterilization before launch and Venus basically being a deep fryer But also technically not impossible. For example if the dormant microbes react to prolonged microgravity and radiation in ways we don't understand, perhaps it brings back something we haven't seen before Could be a fun science fiction plot
- cogman10 1y agoIf I'm reading the article correctly, it never made it to Venus.
- cogman10 1y agoNot likely. This thing spent 50 years in high earth orbit. Everything will have received a huge dosage of radiation along with periodic freezing and boiling temperatures. Something may have survived, life is crazy like that, but it's unlikely it will be a dangerous pathogen to humans. In fact, surviving life will have likely adapted to eat any of the pathogens.