Signs of life shooting from Saturn's moon Enceladus would be detectable by spacecraft, scientists say

[Admin]

Scientists believe possible amino acids in Enceladus' subsurface ocean can indeed be detected by spacecraft.

Signs of life shooting from Saturn's moon Enceladus would be detectable by spacecraft, scientists say : Read more

 

[rod]

Interesting experiment and test. I note from the paper cited.

Detection of intact amino acids with a hypervelocity ice grain impact mass spectrometer, https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2313447120, "...The results reported here provide unambiguous laboratory evidence that we could fly through these plumes at speeds up to 4.2 km/s and successfully detect intact amino acids, an important class of biosignature molecules, in situ with a mass spectrometer." "Abstract Astrobiology studies are a top priority in answering one of the most fundamental questions in planetary science: Is there life beyond Earth? Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus is a prime target in the search for life in our solar system, identified by NASA as the second-highest priority site for a flagship mission in the next decade..."

Potential future detections of amino acids at Enceladus is one thing, showing how non-living matter evolved into life at Enceladus is another. Space.com features many reports on abiogenesis in astrobiology it seems and even perhaps taking place in gas clouds in space now too.

How exotic alien life could thrive in the giant molecular clouds of deep space

An astronomer has outlined a way for methane-producing life to thrive in the molecular clouds of deep space, opening up a new pathway to understanding the potential origins and diversity of life. How exotic alien life could thrive in the giant molecular clouds of deep space : Read more

forums.space.com

 

[jamestmallow]

"Potential future detections of amino acids at Enceladus is one thing, showing how non-living matter evolved into life at Enceladus is another."

You seem to be dismissing what would be one of the greatest discoveries of all time - life outside of Earth. That would be more than "one thing." It would be awesome. The next step would be to determine if it came from a separate (or the same) abiogenesis event as Earth life.

 

[rod]

Interesting thinking in post #3. Charles Darwin wanted to see non-living matter evolve into life in his 1871 letter, nothing at that time and in his 1882 letter, nothing worthwhile either for abiogenesis. Showing that Enceladus has life on it today or abiogenesis took place on Enceladus in the past - remains to be confirmed. I remember well Bill Clinton press conference during his administration for meteorite ALH84001. Tiny Martian life claimed or thought. If it is ever accepted in science that Earth is the only place in the galaxy where life exists with plants, trees, etc. thrive, that is very awesome too. At the moment, it seems many are waiting for the check is in the mail here

 

[Torbjorn Larsson]

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/cassi...king-energy-source-and-molecule-at-enceladus/
"NASA Study Finds Life-Sparking Energy Source and Molecule at Enceladus"

They have found NH3 - a nitrogen source - before, and with an ice cover the increased redox span of dissimilar products was expected (if welcome). Personally I found their “Moderate” support for H2S – supporting the alkaline hydrothermal vent source hypothesis – and PH3 – a phosphorous source – most exciting!

 

[Torbjorn Larsson]

Potential future detections of amino acids at Enceladus is one thing, showing how non-living matter evolved into life at Enceladus is another.

If it did, precisely in the way that modern phylogenetic methods show how biology split from geology: in alkaline hydrothermal vent formations at the deep ocean floor.

Since the evolution from non life geology over half alive cells to the LUCA was so rapid and the process diversifies so easily, it is likely an easy process too.