Scientists suspect that comets may have provided the organic materials necessary for life to arise on Earth, and new research shows how exoplanets may also receive this special supply from comets.
Early in its history, Earth was bombarded by asteroids, comets, and other cosmic bodies left over from the formation of the solar system. Scientists are still debating how the planet obtained the water and molecules needed to form life, but comets are the most likely candidates.
But if comets can deliver the seeds of life to Earth, could they do the same for exoplanets elsewhere in the universe? With this question in mind, a team of researchers from the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy developed a mathematical model that helped them show how comets could theoretically provide the building blocks for life similar to other planets in the Milky Way.
Although this research is still far from definitive proof of life on other worlds, the team’s findings could help narrow the search for exoplanets that harbor life.
“We continue to learn more about exoplanet atmospheres, so we wanted to know if there were planets where complex molecules could also be reached by comets,” said study author Richard Anslow of the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy in an article. . statement. “It is possible that the molecules that gave rise to life on Earth came from comets, so the same could be true for other planets in the galaxy.”
Related: Comet 67P contains elements essential for life, smelling like camphor and almonds
In recent decades, scientists have learned more about the so-called “prebiotic molecules” found in comets that could give rise to life. For example, in 2009, samples obtained from Comet Wild 2 during NASA’s stardust mission were found to contain glycine, an amino acid and a building block of protein. The European Space Agency’s Rasyid mission also detected organic molecules in the atmosphere of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko between 2014 and 2016.
But these organic molecules may be destroyed when they collide with the planet at high speeds and high temperatures. This means that Anslow and his colleagues had to find a scenario in which a comet’s collision with another solar system would occur slowly enough for these essential components of life to remain intact.
Through their simulations, the researchers found that for solar systems that have stars similar to the Sun, impacts with the lowest speeds are most likely to occur in places where many planets are close together. Scientists call this type of planetary system a “pea system.” A comet moving from the outer edge of such a system will slow down as it bounces between the orbits of the planets.
Meanwhile, the team’s simulations suggest there may be “unique challenges for life” around rocky planets. Red dwarf stars are officially known as M dwarf stars. These are the most common stars in the galaxy and have become popular targets for astronomers looking for exoplanets.
But rocky planets in such systems also experience impacts more quickly. The chance of a comet spreading life there might be lost, especially if the planets were farther away.
“It’s exciting that we can start to determine what types of systems we can use to test different asset scenarios,” Anslow said in a statement. “This is a different way of looking at the great work that has been done on Earth. What molecular pathways cause the enormous diversity of life we see around us? Are there other planets that have the same path? This is a different way.” an exciting time, to be able to ‘combine advances in astronomy and chemistry to study some of the most fundamental questions of all.”
This is the research Published today In Proceedings of the Royal Society A.
2023-11-15 06:48:16
#Comet #Bounce #possibly #spread #life #universe
