Life on Exoplanets

Black smoker thermal vent
at the bottom of the ocean
Credit: NOAA Ocean Explorer

The Ingredients of Life

Astrobiologists believe that there are three ingredients which are vital for life. They are water, energy and organic molecules such as carbon (C). Energy and organic molecules are abundant in the Universe. Yet water in its liquid form is rare.

Water on Earth is in its liquid form at sea-level, where temperatures are 0 °C - 100 °C. But, the Earth has geographical, seasonal, and daily variations. These variations can drive temperatures down to well below freezing. Then, water is found as ice. Temperatures in Antarctica can reach as low as -89 °C, yet life can still survive there. 

Most terrestrial (land-based) organisms can't survive temperatures above 45 °C for long. Yet some marine life can. Thermophiles have been found thriving around hydrothermal vents (black smokers). These are found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Here, pressures are extreme and temperatures exceed 110 °C.

It is important to understand the extreme conditions in which life can survive on Earth. But, we should not let this limit where we expect to find life in the rest of the universe. Life may have evolved in unique ways. Like the ability to 'breathe' other atmospheres.

Life in the Solar System

The frozen surface of Europa
may cover liquid oceans
Credit: NASA/JPL/DLR

We have mentioned life around other stars. But, there is a chance that life may exist out in our own Solar System. The discovery of primitive life, or fossils, on Mars would extend the HZ of the Sun. In fact, evidence shows that Mars was once warmer and wetter. These conditions may have allowed primitive organisms to evolve. Ongoing and future missions to Mars will search for these signs of life.

Much further from the Sun are the gas giants.  Planets like Jupiter and their large moons.  At first sight these moons may seem inhospitable to life. However, the moons Europa and Callisto are subject to tidal heating. This may lead to the existence of large amounts of sub-surface liquid water. This would increase the likelihood of aquatic life.

Click here to find out how astronomers are looking for extra-terrestrial life.