Scientists claim to have figured out what aliens eat
It’s hard to believe we’re alone in the universe considering it’s so vast. But instead of looking far, far away into the galactic horizon, some scientists say that there could be life hiding in our very own solar system. Life on Earth requires some specific conditions: a breathable atmosphere, a place in the solar system that isn’t too far or too close to the Sun, and other species we ate to survive. But one paper argues that not all life forms would need that. (Picture: Getty)
Researchers, in a paper published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, say that high-energy particle clusters, also known as galactic cosmic rays, could sustain life on extraterrestrial worlds. These rays emit radiation that can trigger chemical reactions, which is a process known as radiolysis, which then can cause molecules to break down and release byproducts that can act as a fuel for living things. (Picture: Getty)
The researchers focused on three celestial bodies, Mars, as well as two of Jupiter and Saturn’s respective moons, Europa and Enceladus. The team then simulated cosmic rays breaking down water molecules at different depths on each world, as a way to understand how many theoretical cells galactic cosmic rays could support. They specifically looked at the production of electrons, which are key players in energy production for all living things. (Picture: Getty)
They then compared the simulation with our understanding of a type of organism on Earth which thrive in extreme environments, known as extremophiles. They are known to eat fuel that could kill humans such as a bacterium called Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator which gets energy from ‘eating’ the radioactive decay of uranium. Some of these radiation-resistant extremophiles hide underground to avoid the brunt of the radiation. (Picture: Getty)
The researchers found that Enceldus’ conditions hold the most promise for sustaining life. The research team predicts that the moon is capable of supporting as many as 42,900 cells per cubic centimeter at a depth of two feet. Mars can support 11,600 cells at just over half a meter below the surface, and Europa can support 4,200 cells at one meter deep. But life on these planets would not be as we may think of them – no walking, talking aliens nor an ecosystem, they would likely be instead the earliest forms of life. (Picture: Getty)
Study lead Dr Dimitra Atri said: ‘This discovery changes the way we think about where life might exist. Instead of looking only for warm planets with sunlight, we can now consider places that are cold and dark, as long as they have some water beneath the surface and are exposed to cosmic rays. Life might be able to survive in more places than we ever imagined.’ (Picture: Getty)
The research opens up exciting new possibilities in the search for life, beyond Earth and suggests that even the darkest, coldest places in the solar system could have the right conditions for life to survive. The study introduces a new idea called the Radiolytic Habitable Zone which focuses on places where water exists underground and can be energised by cosmic radiation. Since cosmic rays are found throughout space, this could mean there are many more places in the universe where life could exist. (Picture: Getty) Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
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