Evidence 'proves origin of life'

Panspermia argues that life began inside comets

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Tuesday, 14, Aug 2007 05:37

New evidence proves overwhelmingly that life began in space, researchers have argued.

Some scientists maintain that life on Earth is due to panspermia – the theory that life began inside comets and then spread to habitable planets like Earth.

A team from Cardiff University believe that findings from space probes sent to investigate passing comets have provided evidence for the first time how organisms could have formed under panspermia.

In 2005 the Deep Impact mission to the comet Temple One discovered a mixture of organic and clay particles inside the comet. This provides support for the theory that clay particles act as a catalyst for life, converting simple organic molecules into more complex structures.

And in 2004 the Stardust mission to comet Wild Two found a range of complex hydrocarbon molecules – potential building blocks for life.

Writing in the International Journal of Astrobiology the researchers argue that comets act as 'incubators' for life as radioactive elements can keep water in liquid form in comets' interiors for millions of years.

Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe said: "The findings of the comet missions, which surprised many, strengthen the argument for panspermia. We now have a mechanism for how it could have happened.

"All the necessary elements - clay, organic molecules and water - are there. The longer time scale and the greater mass of comets make it overwhelmingly more likely that life began in space than on earth."