Extremophiles are organisms, usually microbacteria, that can survive in extreme environments. These environments are characterized by conditions uninhabitable to humans. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, is iconic for its bright, seemingly unnatural colors. However, these colors are a result of extremophiles, specifically, thermophiles! Thermophiles are classified as “heat-loving” organisms, and are one of many common types of extremophiles. There are also acidophiles (acid-loving), anaerobes (oxygen-hating), halophiles (salt-loving), and many more!
Extremophiles are frequently used as proof for the probability of life on other planets. If there are organisms that can thrive in conditions unimaginable to humans, there must be life on other worlds that we would never expect. For instance, probability of acidophiles living on Io, one of Jupiter’s moons, due to it’s high volcanic activity and sulfuric acids.
Extremophiles are fascinating creatures, and give us hope for life in the universe beyond our own!
Solar System Discovery 
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