Jupiter and its asteroid belt played a crucial role in the distribution of the essential chemical components necessary for life
As Jupiter formed and grew to enormous size and its gravitational influence increased, the planet restricted the movement of phosphorus and nitrogen from the inner to the outer Solar System. This meant that when the second generation of planetesimals emerged, those in the inner Solar System had a higher phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio than their counterparts further out.
Pluto’s ‘Heart’ Hints at Its Rich Geological World
When the New Horizons mission flew past Pluto in 2015, it discovered a geologically rich world, not the cold, dark landscape many expected. Almost immediately, researchers discovered two features, named Mount Wright and Mount Piccard, which were suspected to be ice volcanoes, and further study confirmed their identity.
Microbiological surprises of extraterrestrial life: reverse panspermia. Terrestrial microorganisms can colonize outer space
Cosmic rays and aggressive environments don’t kill microorganisms; they even maintain an active metabolism that “heals” mutations. This gives rise to the hypothesis of reverse panspermia: terrestrial microorganisms could “conquer” space and become the origin of life on other planets. On the other hand, early life on Earth functioned in conditions so different from modern ones that they could seem almost alien. Studying these systems helps us understand not only where life might exist, but also what it might be like.
Analysis of a sample of asteroid Bennu reveals dust rich in carbon, nitrogen and organic compounds needed for life
Early analysis of a sample of the asteroid Bennu returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has revealed dust rich in carbon, nitrogen and organic compounds, all of which are essential components for life as we know it. The sample, dominated by clay minerals, particularly serpentine, reflects the type of rock found at mid-ocean ridges on Earth.