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Hints of Life Found On Saturn's Moon Titan
Calopteryx writes "New Scientist reports that in 2005, researchers predicted two potential signatures of life on Titan. Now, thanks to research done with the help of the Cassini spacecraft, both have been seen, although non-biological chemical reactions could also be behind the observations. NASA's writeup has further details: 'One key finding comes from a paper online now in the journal Icarus [abstract] that shows hydrogen molecules flowing down through Titan's atmosphere and disappearing at the surface. Another paper online now in the Journal of Geophysical Research maps hydrocarbons on the Titan surface and finds a lack of acetylene. This lack of acetylene is important because that chemical would likely be the best energy source for a methane-based life on Titan, said Chris McKay, an astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., who proposed a set of conditions necessary for this kind of methane-based life on Titan in 2005. One interpretation of the acetylene data is that the hydrocarbon is being consumed as food. But McKay said the flow of hydrogen is even more critical because all of their proposed mechanisms involved the consumption of hydrogen.'"
Cats play with a mouse not for "fun" but to improve their hunting skills. It's a learning technique.
Humans are violent not for "fun" but to improve their defense, survival skills. It's a learning technique.
One that hath name thou can not otter
Well, there's a lack of McDonald's hamburgers on this world too, so perhaps there is human life down there after all, consuming all the hamburgers.
While the hypothesis is cute, it doesn't "prove" anything.
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.