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Molecular Basis for Life Found on Extrasolar Planet

Posted by Zonk on from the i-wonder-if-they-get-the-internet-in-space dept.

DarkProphet writes "NASA scientists have discovered the first evidence of organic molecules on an extrasolar planet. Using the Hubble Space Telescope, they detected trace amounts of methane on a swirling gas giant about 63 light-years from our own planet. Being a gas giant, there's almost no chance this discovery represents extrasolar life. A unique find, just the same. 'HD 189733b, a so-called "hot Jupiter," located 63 light years away, has proven a boon for scientists studying exoplanets. Its large size and proximity to its star mean that it dims the star's light more than any other known exoplanet. Combine that with its home star's high brightness, and scientists find that the system creates the best viewing conditions of any known extrasolar system. At different wavelengths, every atom and molecule has its own telltale footprint, so scientists can convert what are known as absorption spectra into the chemical composition of the object they're looking at.'"

8 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. Well... by ch-chuck · · Score: 3, Funny

    just beam a high power radio signal that way and if your lucky in 124 years you might get a 'hello there' back.

    Actually it would be pretty cool to establish contact with an alien civilization even if there is a 250 year lag. Just ask a question and your great-great-great-grandchildren might get an answer, "No we haven't developed hyperlightspeed propulsion yet either".

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    try { do() || do_not(); } catch (JediException err) { yoda(err); }
    1. Re:Well... by Joe+The+Dragon · · Score: 2, Funny

      or we can just use the stargate and go there.

    2. Re:Well... by AHumbleOpinion · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, we know you don't work in software. A software developer would have said "Hello world"

      Well, we know you don't use email. An email user would not expect the first communication to be "Hello there" or "Hello world", an email user would expect:

      Lagos, Nigeria, Earth.

      Attention: The President/CEO

      Dear Sir,

      CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL

      Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information gathered from the nigerian chambers of commerce and industry, I have the privilege to request for your assistance to transfer the sum of ...

  2. Been over this before by explosivejared · · Score: 4, Funny

    We just went over this exact occurrence just a month ago. Go ahead with the flatulence jokes all the same though, it would be a break of tradition if you didn't.

    --
    I got a catholic block.
  3. Re:Methane - Big Deal by Leftist+Troll · · Score: 5, Funny

    I was under the impression that methane was fairly common in the Universe. For example, Uranus is full of methane.

  4. Re:What's the big deal? - Ah! But you're assuming by Markvs · · Score: 2, Funny

    That we got the only Monolith.

    --
    46. The Hobo smiles, his eyes glaze over, and he burps. "Beware the man who has lived longer than the Wasteland."
  5. Re:Hydrogues by MMC+Monster · · Score: 2, Funny

    so what's the basis for ruling out life on gas giants 60 ly away?
    the fact that it is 1300 degrees, so hot that water starts reacting with methane to produce carbon monoxide. Sounds like Los Angeles.
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  6. Re:Methane - Big Deal by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Like they did in Futurama?

    You know, Urectum does have a nice ring to it