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Searching for signs of life on exoplanets is tough. (mander.xyz)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/science_memes@mander.xyz
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[–] 0 points 1 year ago (10 children)

Look for free Oxygen, the only reason it sits around is because of life. Sure, there are lots of forms of life that won't show up that way, but if you do see it, you know you found life.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (6 children)

    Many elements up to iron and nickel can be produced from supernovae, including oxygen. And I’m pretty sure a supernova isn’t a very habitable place…

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  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    Just about every element comes out of a super nova. By the time it's around a planet, Oxygen has made friends, usually Hydrogen, so it's no longer free molecules.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Oxygen can make friends with other oxygen, no? O2. It isn’t only produced by biotic means…

    Also, not every element comes out of a supernova. Elements that are heavier than iron and nickel are created when neutron stars merge! Very cool. Not to mention all the manmade elements…

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (3 children)

    o2 isn't as stable as most molecules containing oxygen. Free o2 oxidizes damn near everything, so it doesn't last in an atmosphere without a new source. Take a look at the solar system. Every planet has oxygen, none of it is o2 outside of earth.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    O2 could be produced by abiotic means, the source isn’t necessarily life. It could be, but it’s probably not. Looking for life isn’t as simple as finding oxygen, otherwise it would be way too easy, there’s a bunch of other biosignatures and signs of habitability to look for.

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