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Using exoplanets to test the universality of biology

Nature Astronomy volume 2, pages 758–759 (2018)Cite this article

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The detection of biosignatures on extrasolar planets would allow us to explore the predictability of evolution. What could we learn without directly obtaining a sample of life?

It is clear that even if we found a gaseous signature associated with life in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, say an atmospheric disequilibrium of oxygen and methane2, we would be denied a great deal of information about that life. Short of the science-fiction possibility of an exoplanet sample-return mission, which requires a planet within a reasonable distance and a considerable improvement in propulsion technology, we will be unable to get a material sample of the extraterrestrial biology. This is categorically different to the search in our own Solar System, where the discovery of life could be followed by its collection and subsequent laboratory analysis. Although the task of using exoplanets to understand the universality of life may seem insuperable, I suggest there are a surprising number of directions we might take.

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Fig. 1: Universal biology?

PHL @ UPR Arecibo

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Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges support from STFC grant ST/R000875/1 and helpful comments from J. Raven.

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  1. UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

    Charles S. Cockell

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  1. Charles S. Cockell
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Correspondence to Charles S. Cockell.

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Cockell, C.S. Using exoplanets to test the universality of biology. Nat Astron 2, 758–759 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-018-0586-x

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