'Dark oxygen' mission takes aim at other worlds

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🗞️ Driving the news: Scientists have uncovered a phenomenon where metal nodules on the deep seabed produce oxygen in complete darkness, challenging the belief that oxygen is only created through photosynthesis
• This discovery could reshape our understanding of life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets
• Researchers are now launching a mission to the ocean’s deepest regions to investigate further

🔭 The context: The findings emerged from seabed studies near Hawaii and Mexico, where sensors detected unexpected oxygen levels
• Lab experiments revealed that metal nodules generate electric currents, splitting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen
• This discovery has sparked controversy, particularly with deep-sea mining companies, as it could have implications for marine ecosystems and mining practices

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The discovery raises concerns about the environmental risks of deep-sea mining, as these ecosystems may support unknown forms of life
• It also suggests that similar processes could enable oxygen production and microbial life on other planets, expanding possibilities for astrobiology

⏭️ What's next: The team plans to use advanced submersible equipment to explore seabeds over 10 km deep, aiming to confirm and better understand the phenomenon
• Collaboration with NASA will explore how this process might occur on other worlds, potentially altering space exploration priorities

💬 One quote: “We are already in conversation with experts at NASA who believe dark oxygen could reshape our understanding of how life might be sustained on other planets without direct sunlight.” – Prof Andrew Sweetman, lead researcher

📈 One stat: More than 900 marine scientists from 44 countries have signed a petition calling for a pause on seabed mining due to environmental concerns

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