Tuesday 25 August 2026, 5:30–7:30 pm
Wellington and online | Free registration
Join renowned Antarctic scientist and astrobiologist Professor John Priscu for an extraordinary journey beneath Antarctica’s ice—and onwards to the hidden oceans of other worlds.
For most of Earth’s history, life was microscopic and, even today, microorganisms dominate our planet. If life exists beyond Earth, scientists believe it may also have begun—and perhaps remained—as microbial life.
Although covered with ice, several moons in the outer Solar System contain vast subsurface oceans. These oceans may collectively provide the greatest volume of potentially habitable space in our Solar System. Jupiter’s moon Europa is considered one of the most promising possible habitats for microbial life.
Antarctica offers scientists a remarkable natural laboratory for investigating this possibility. More than 600 lakes are thought to lie beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet, collectively containing an estimated seven per cent of Earth’s lake water. Despite the cold, darkness and isolation, research has revealed biologically active microbial ecosystems beneath the ice.
Professor Priscu will describe his pioneering exploration of Antarctica’s subglacial lakes and compare these environments with what scientists know about Europa’s geochemistry. He will consider whether Europa’s sub-ice ocean could support microbial life—and perhaps even a second origin of life, independent of Earth.
Discovering life on Europa or elsewhere in the outer Solar System would have an enormous impact on science and society.
About Professor John Priscu
Professor John Priscu is an Emeritus Regents Professor of Ecology at Montana State University and one of the world’s leading authorities on microbial life in frozen environments.
His expeditions have drilled through more than a kilometre of Antarctic ice to investigate lakes concealed beneath the Ice Sheet. His discoveries helped transform scientific understanding of Antarctica, revealing active ecosystems in environments previously considered incapable of supporting life.
He has also collaborated with NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers on technologies designed to explore ice-covered environments on Earth and, potentially, other worlds.
Professor Priscu has a longstanding connection with Aotearoa New Zealand. He worked at the former DSIR Taupō Research Laboratory, participated in research aboard New Zealand’s RV Tangaroa, and began his Antarctic work through New Zealand’s Antarctic programme.
Attend in Wellington or watch online
The event begins at 5:30 pm.
Register once and choose whether to attend in Wellington or watch the webcast. Online access instructions and final venue information will be emailed to registered attendees before the event.
Registration
Presented by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network in partnership with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with support from the United States Embassy in New Zealand.
