Comets may not have contributed to the origin of life on Earth, indicates research
Study questions the role of comets in the origin of life on Earth and points to other hypotheses. Read on Gazeta do Povo.
TL;DR
- Recent simulations suggest comets likely did not significantly contribute to the origin of life on Earth.
- High impact speeds and unfavorable angles would have destroyed essential pre-biotic molecules.
- The survival and concentration of molecules like HCN upon impact were found to be extremely improbable.
- A rare combination of specific conditions would be necessary for comets to have played a role.
- Mars might have been a more conducive environment for pre-biotic molecule survival due to its thinner atmosphere.
- The study focuses on the delivery of molecules, not the subsequent origin of life itself.
- Future research could identify exoplanetary systems where comets might more effectively transport molecules.