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Cometary habitats for primitive life.

M K Wallis1, N C Wickramasinghe, F Hoyle

  • 1School of Mathematics, University of Wales, Cardiff.

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Comet Halley studies suggest its insulating crust may harbor primitive life. Subsurface ice and potential lakes could support organisms if provided with energy sources, especially for radiation-resistant species capable of long hibernation.

Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Cometary Science
  • Origin of Life Studies

Background:

  • Comet Halley's nucleus is largely covered by an insulating crust of pyrolyzed organic material.
  • The subcrustal region is warmed and permeated by gases, creating a potential habitat.
  • Cracks and crevices in contaminated ice within craters may also support life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential habitats for primitive replicating and photosynthesizing organisms on comets.
  • To assess the conditions required for life to exist in cometary environments.
  • To understand the implications of cometary habitats for panspermia theories.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from Comet Halley studies.
  • Modeling of subsurface environments on comets and icy moons (e.g., Europa).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Consideration of energy sources and environmental triggers for habitability.

    • Main Results:

    • The insulating crust of Comet Halley suggests a potential habitat for primitive organisms.
    • Subsurface environments, including potential ice lakes, require specific triggers (e.g., impacts) and energy sources to become habitable.
    • Cometary transfer of life necessitates radiation resistance and long hibernation capabilities.

    Conclusions:

    • Comets may provide viable habitats for certain types of primitive life.
    • The conditions for life on comets are constrained but potentially achievable.
    • Life's ability to survive transfer between celestial bodies depends on specific adaptations.