Alien News: Biosignature Gases May Seal Extraterrestrial Life Search?

First Posted: May 10, 2016 06:09 AM EDT
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Extraterrestrial life may be detected with the use of telescopes. The gasses that extrasolar planets and its inhabitants emit are compared with those of Earth to indicate possible existence of life in other planets. A group of scientist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spearheaded by Prof. Sara Seager has discussed the possibility of discovering alien life forms by observing the gasses emitted in the atmosphere.

Prof. Seager released a statement stating that by identifying these gases with the use of ground-based telescopes shows possibility of discovering habitable planets, Outer Places reported. Prof Seager added that "Even more highly anticipated is the chance to find signs of life on these habitable planets by way of biosignature gases."

On the same article, it was discussed that their massive search led them to identifying biosignature gases which could be maximized with the use of molecules with six or less non-hydrogen atoms. These molecules are then organized in systematically by its category. This resulted to a list with a total of 14,000 molecules; where 2,500 are CNOPSH (C - carbon, N - nitrogen, O - oxygen, P - phosphorus, S - sulfur, and H - hydrogen) compounds.

With the list of biosignature gases, it's not far that these scientist will find not just another habitable planet like Earth but proof that extraterrestrial or alien life does exist. From there, it is possible that a planet may cater life to other beings with further research. The list of biosignature gases is just the start - as it is limited to being observed from Earth.

The possible extraterrestrial life is an outbreak in the field of science. Nancy Y. Kiang, PhD, Senior Editor of Astrobiology and a scientist at NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies stated through Astrobiology Magazine, "This work reminds me of Darwin's voyage aboard The Beagle, exploring the vast diversity of life by sailing around the world."

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