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The search for life in the solar system
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. donald-gurnett@uiowa.edu
Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association
|September 22, 2009
Summary
The search for extraterrestrial life focuses on our solar system. While Venus and Mars are unlikely habitats, icy moons of outer planets may harbor conditions suitable for life.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
Background:
- Historically, popular belief suggested life on nearby planets like Venus and Mars.
- Early 20th-century speculation included the possibility of intelligent life on other planets.
Observation:
- Space exploration has revealed Venus to be an extremely hostile environment, precluding life.
- Current data indicates Mars is largely barren, cold, and offers minimal prospects for extant life.
Findings:
- Direct investigation within our solar system is the only current method for searching for life.
- Venus and Mars have been largely ruled out as current habitats for life.
Implications:
- The search for life in the solar system has shifted focus to subsurface oceans on moons of outer planets.
- Specific moons of outer planets present potential environments for life due to unique conditions.
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