INTRODUCTION
Planetary scientist Nathalie Cabrol would like to go
to Mars, but until such time as she can book a seat to that
intriguing world she’s more than making do by going to a
place that’s ten thousand times closer. The high lakes on
top of the Andean mountains expose life to cold, dry
climates and an abundance of ultraviolet radiation – all
characteristic of living conditions on Mars (and, one
presumes, on many other planets as well). Combining
exploration with the observing skills of a scientist,
Nathalie investigates the life in these unusual lakes by
diving in – literally. The biology she studies here have
made adaptations that martian life – if it exists – will
also have made. The volcanic peaks of the Andes are
Nathalie’s Petri dish for experimenting with “alien” life.
While she’s not yet been to the real Mars, Nathalie and her
scientist husband, Edmond Grin, were the principal
supporters of the decision to send the Spirit rover to
Gusev crater, in Mars’ pockmarked, southern highlands. This
was because the crater gives the appearance of being the
bed of an ancient lake, making it a prime target for
understanding the hydraulic history of the Red Planet.
Nathalie can be seen on the Discovery Channels "Are We
Alone" July 16 2009, at 9 p.m. ET/PT -
preview
Nathalie was recently selected as a (New) NEW EINSTEIN by
Mental Floss Magazine -
article
Nathalie has the unoffical world record for diving 6,000
meters above sea level -
article
