Search For Life

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Toxic Mars Chemical Throws Wrench Into Search for Red Planet Life

Curiosity is shown at the Martian site of Rocknest.

September 27th, 2013

A toxic chemical in Martian dirt may obscure scientists' search for extraterrestrial life. Perchlorates on the Red Planet may cause reactions in Curiosity's soil samples that destroy organic compounds, researchers say.

Did Earth Life Come from Space? Tough Algae Suggests Panspermia Possibility

An asteroid is shown crashing into Earth

September 23rd, 2013

Scientists have long debated the possibility of that the microbial seeds of life did not originate on Earth, but were perhaps delivered here from an alien source. A study finds new evidence to support the possibility of panspermia.

New Model Could Help I.D. Potentially Habitable Alien Planets

Trio of Super-Earths

September 10th, 2013

A new model could indicate whether an exoplanet has a light but extended atmosphere, or a relatively thin and heavy atmosphere. This knowledge could help refine the targets in the search for planets like Earth capable of sustaining life.

Number of Confirmed Alien Planets Nears 1,000

This artist's illustration represents the variety of planets being detected by NASA's Kepler spacecraft.

September 26th, 2013

Four of the five main databases that catalog exoplanet discoveries now list more than 900 confirmed alien worlds, and two of them peg the tally at 986 as of today (Sept. 26). So the 1,000th exoplanet may be spotted in a matter of days or weeks.

New Alien Life Claim Far from Convincing, Scientists Say

Comets Contain Elements for Life

September 20th, 2013

A team of British researchers says a cell fragment found high up in Earth's atmosphere likely came from outer space. But such an extraordinary claim requires much more convincing evidence, outside scientists say.

The Drake Equation Revisited: Interview with Planet Hunter Sara Seager

Artist's View of Alien Earth at Red Dwarf

September 4th, 2013

MIT's Sara Seager talks about a new equation meant to help people think about the odds of finding signs of life on a distant planet in the next decade. The original Drake equation, drawn up in the 1960s, dealt only with intelligent alien life.

Are Exoplanets Orbiting Red Dwarf Stars too Dry for Life?

Gas and Dust Around Young Star

August 27th, 2013

Red dwarf stars, which weigh between 10 and 50 percent as much as our sun, are the most common stars in our galaxy. Previous studies have suggested that planets around such stars may be too dry for life, but new research is questioning that idea.

Planet Hunter Sara Seager Wins $625,000 'Genius Grant'

Planet Hunter Sara Seager

September 25th, 2013

The 24 awardees represent a diverse group of scientists, artists, writers, academics and activists. Seager was selected for her groundbreaking exoplanet research, which has led to ever-better models of the atmospheres and interiors of alien worlds.

Exomoons Around Alien Planets May Be Too Small for Life

Kepler Telescope Could Find Habitable Moons

September 16th, 2013

Alien moons around distant worlds may not be big enough to possess magnetic fields strong enough to protect extraterrestrial life from radiation that may blast it from deep space and nearby stars, researchers say.

Monster Saturn Storm Dredged Up Icy Water from the Deeps

Water Ice on Saturn

September 4th, 2013

A colossal storm that raged on Saturn in 2010 and 2011 churned water ice up from deep within the ringed planet's thick atmosphere. NASA's Cassini spacecraft detected the ice crystals from orbit, marking the first observation of water on the planet.