Jigsaw Puzzle : Lake Vostok micro-organism, SEM

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print showcases a remarkable discovery from the depths of Lake Vostok in Antarctica. The image, captured through a coloured scanning electron microscope (SEM), reveals an intriguing micro-organism with an orange hue. This tiny life form was found within ice samples extracted from the lake, which lies hidden beneath up to 4 kilometers of ice. Lake Vostok's extraordinary ecosystem has remained isolated for millennia, shielded from the outside world by its thick icy cover. Sustained by geothermal heat, this freshwater lake defies freezing temperatures and nurtures a unique habitat that scientists are only beginning to comprehend. The age of these specimens is truly awe-inspiring; some ice cores containing these micro-organisms date back as far as 400,000 years. Dubbed "klingon" due to its distinctive appearance, this organism may hold secrets yet unknown to science. Interestingly, similar subglacial lakes are believed to exist on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. These findings raise tantalizing questions about the potential for extraterrestrial life beyond our own planet. Printed at a magnification of x4500 and measuring 10cm wide when printed, this photograph offers us a glimpse into the microscopic wonders hidden within Earth's most extreme environments. It serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge about our vast universe.