Wind Cave Research Reveals Clues to Extraterrestrial Life Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Scientists presented findings at the ACS Spring 2025 meeting, showcasing how Earth's caves inform the search for life on icy moons like Europa.

Researchers studying South Dakota's Wind Cave are using fluorescence spectroscopy to uncover 'chemistry fossils' that reveal ancient water flow and unique cave formation processes.
The team identified manganese-rich zebra calcites, glowing pink under UV light, formed by mineral-rich waters that contributed to the cave's expansion.
Wind Cave serves as an analog to Jupiter's moon Europa, providing insights into how life might persist in extreme environments beyond Earth.
Undergraduate students are building a public database of fluorescence fingerprints and developing autonomous spectrometers for future space missions.
The findings, presented at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2025 meeting, highlight the potential of fluorescence techniques for astrobiological research and planetary science.