The Jet Propulsion Laboratory reports that new discoveries on the chemistry of Titan could be sign of an exotic form of life.
Mark Allen, principal investigator with the NASA Astrobiology Institute Titan team, is quick to point out that the observed phenomena could very well have a non-biological explanation, and that we should be careful not to jump to conclusions. But some astrobiologists are saying that the findings -- involving the unexplained disappearance of hydrogen and a lack of acetylene at the surface -- could be caused by a microbial methane-based life form consuming the hydrogen for respiration (or something like it) and acetylene for food.
Since Titan is so cold, life there is unlikely to be water-based. But if some sort of liquid is required for life processes, methane might be an adequate substitute, as the Saturnian moon is known to have liquid hydrocarbons on the surface.
Though inconclusive, these results are tantalizing, and it's clear that Titan well deserves more study.
Pictured above, an artist's rendering of the surface of Titan, with a liquid hydrocarbon lake in the foreground.
CAN YOU EVEN IMAGEINE ??
ReplyDeleteWhen a scientist says, "It could be" something, that's pretty thin gruel. Though the prospect of some life form anywhere always gets ones imagination piqued.
ReplyDeleteTitan is one of the most interesting celestial objects in our solar system and one on which we should focus efforts. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence floating around that makes it a prime candidate for extensive study.
With the current state of our government cutting budgets for space exploration i only hope we get the chance to further investigate !
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I've had this idea floating around in my head the past few years that Titan could be 'mined' for the hydrocarbons that are there. Oceans of Methane would certainly be a great resource for rocket fuel. We will of course first have to find out if there is life there. Don't want to violate that prime directive!
ReplyDeletethis is really fascinating....
ReplyDelete