Thursday, November 27, 2008

Sweet! Galactic Molecule Could Point to Alien Life

Glycolaldehyde has previously only been detected near the center of our galaxy, where conditions are extreme compared to the rest of the galaxy. But its discovery in an area far from the galactic center in an area known as 'G31.41+0.31' suggests that the production of this key ingredient for life could be common throughout the galaxy. This is good news in our search for alien life, because a wide spread of the molecule improves the chances of its existing alongside other molecules vital to life, and in regions where Earth-like planets may exist.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why should earth be unique? Life MUST be the norm throughout creation. It's pure common sense.

Anonymous said...

now if astronomers ever find some brown sugar floating around out there in the area 'G31.41+0.31' then that is reasonable evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence....

Mac said...

@fengleton While I agree that there are likely lots of ET lifeforms out there, why, exactly do you think their existence is a given . . . ?