Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with some areas receiving no rainfall for decades. Its Mars-like landscapes—salt flats, volcanic peaks, and endless sand—host extremophiles that survive in hyper-arid conditions. Rare fog-dependent ecosystems called "lomas" burst with life when moisture arrives. Despite its harshness, the Atacama teems with unique flora like desert blooms and wildlife including flamingos in high-altitude lagoons. This mineral-rich desert, a key astronomical research hub due to its clear skies, demonstrates life's remarkable adaptability.