Skyrmir comments on Searching for signs of life on exoplanets is tough.

Searching for signs of life on exoplanets is tough. (mander.xyz)

submitted 1 year ago by Dav09@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[–] Skyrmir@lemmy.world 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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[–] sbeak@sopuli.xyz 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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[–] Skyrmir@lemmy.world 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

Except o2 is only produced in volume by a nova. Which isn't happening on a planet.

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[–] sbeak@sopuli.xyz 1 point 1 year ago

A quick search shows that there’s many studies on abiotic ways to produce O2 in terrestrial planet. From good sources too, not just your random Joe. Hence, we need to look at other factors too, not just oxygen.

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