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June 7, 2010, 9:22 am
Methane based life on Titan?Life on Earth is based on water, but could a primitive form of life be based on methane on Saturn's moon Titan?
Source:
www.nasa.gov
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What was discovered?
Chemical activity on the surface of Titan is tantalizing scientists - is it chemical activity only, or is there evidence of molecules needed for a new kind of life based on methane?
Hydrogen molecules have been found to flow down through Titan's atmosphere and disappear at the surface - what are they being used for?
Hydrocarbons have been found on the surface of Titan, but acetylene (which can be used as an energy source in a methane-based life form) is missing - is it being used up as food?
How?
Data on hydrogen movement was collected using Cassini's infrared composite spectrometer and ion neutral mass spectrometer.
The hydrocarbon mapping used Cassini's visual and infrared mapping spectrometer.
Why is it important?
A different life form? That is an awesome prospect!
See also
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 Forum questionLife based on a non-polar solvent would be different from life on Earth, but considering water's ability to expand when frozen, are there any substances that could lead to life?
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(1 vote)  NewsThe origins of life remain a mystery, but clues from the way molecules behave bring us closer to understanding how life can start.[New York Times]
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