Can Earthly Life Populate Space? Although this has been an old thought, a new study reveals that such a suggestion is possible.
Scientists from Kyoto Sangyo University in Japan have submitted to arXiv a paper that contains their latest calculations about the idea being possible. The probability is studied given the condition that meteorites originating on Earth can transfer forms of life to other planets that can nurture life, like Enceladus and Europa, the moons of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively. This scenario was somehow based on the idea that basic forms of life may have entered Earth through a comet or meteorite.
The Concept of Panspermia
The idea that life can be distributed throughout the universe via meteoroids, asteroids, comets, planetoids, or potentially by spacecraft in the form of unintended contamination by microorganisms is known as panspermia. This hypothesis suggests that life exists throughout the Universe and is distributed by space dust, meteoroids, asteroids, comets, planetoids, or potentially by spacecraft in the form of unintended contamination by microorganisms. The concept of panspermia has been a topic of scientific discussion for many years, and it proposes that life on Earth might have originated from microorganisms or chemical precursors of life present in outer space.
The team from Kyoto Sangyo University has taken this concept further by exploring the possibility that life from Earth could be transferred to other celestial bodies. They have calculated the probabilities and conditions under which microorganisms could survive the journey through space and potentially thrive on other planets or moons.
Potential Habitats for Earthly Life
Enceladus and Europa are considered prime candidates for this kind of life transfer due to their subsurface oceans. These moons have been the focus of astrobiological research because they possess the essential ingredients for life: water, energy sources, and organic molecules. The presence of liquid water beneath their icy crusts makes them intriguing targets for the search for extraterrestrial life.
The team writes: “Although it is uncertain how rocks enter the presumed sea under the surface, for example, of Enceladus and Europa, the probability may be high that microorganisms transferred from Earth would be adapted and grow there.” This statement highlights the potential for Earth-originating life forms to find a suitable environment in the subsurface oceans of these moons.
Moreover, the study considers the mechanisms by which microorganisms could be ejected from Earth and survive the harsh conditions of space. For instance, during significant impact events, such as asteroid collisions, debris containing microorganisms could be propelled into space. These microorganisms would need to endure extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum conditions during their journey. However, certain extremophiles on Earth, such as tardigrades, have shown remarkable resilience to such conditions, suggesting that the survival of microorganisms in space is not entirely implausible.
“The only planet which we know has life is Earth. Therefore, Earth would be a likely source to seed other planets with life,” says Tetsuya Hara of KSU. This statement underscores the unique position of Earth as a potential cradle for life that could spread to other parts of the solar system and beyond.
The implications of this research are profound. If life from Earth can indeed populate other celestial bodies, it raises questions about the uniqueness of life on Earth and the potential for a broader biosphere within our solar system. It also emphasizes the importance of planetary protection protocols to prevent the unintended contamination of other worlds during space exploration missions.
In conclusion, while the idea of Earthly life populating space remains speculative, the research from Kyoto Sangyo University provides a scientific basis for considering this possibility. The study of panspermia and the potential for life transfer between celestial bodies continues to be a fascinating and evolving field, with significant implications for our understanding of life in the universe.
via NewScientist
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