Penelope Boston, now a NASA scientist, nearly went blind after a terrifying expedition into New Mexico’s Lechuguilla Cave. But she was hooked on caves ever since and is now leading the charge in astrobiology, exploring how cave environments could support extraterrestrial life.

On Earth, caves are bustling with life—bacteria thrive where sunlight never shines, suggesting that alien microbes might find refuge deep under Mars or beneath the icy crust of moons like Europa. Scientists are increasingly intrigued by these subterranean sanctuaries as potential landing zones for future robotic explorers.

The key lies in understanding how cave air flow and temperature fluctuate, which could indicate whether a planet’s caves provide a stable environment for life to thrive. Caves on rocky planets like Mars might offer thermal insulation from harsh surface conditions, making them ideal spots for microbial colonies.

Meanwhile, ice caves on moons such as Europa or Enceladus may contain interstitial lakes that support liquid water chemistry, potentially providing a safe haven for multicellular life. With robotic missions carefully targeting these locations, scientists could uncover previously unknown forms of life and pave the way for future human habitation beyond Earth.