ALBAWABA - Cornell University researchers have discovered that alien hunters should focus their search on purple-colored planets to find extraterrestrial life, according to a new study.
The study, led by Cornell University scientists, suggests that planets hosting ETs give off a distinctive purple hue due to the presence of purple bacteria, which can be found in certain "niches" on Earth.
These bacteria, scientifically known as purple bacteria, demonstrate remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, raising the prospect of their existence in distant worlds.
"We are just opening our eyes to these fascinating worlds around us," said study co-author Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger. "
Purple bacteria can survive and thrive under such a variety of conditions that it is easy to imagine that on many different worlds, purple may just be the new green,” as quoted in the DailyStar report.
Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger, co-author of the groundbreaking study, underscored the importance of recognizing the diverse forms of life on alien planets. She stressed the need for a comprehensive database to identify signs of life, acknowledging the potential departure from Earth-based norms.
The detection of purple bacteria on other planets, Dr. Kaltenegger asserted, marks a significant milestone in the quest for extraterrestrial life.
Meanwhile, astrobiologist Adam Frank has suggested that alien life, including animals, could exist on Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus. According to Frank, there could be "entire ecosystems" living in the "dark watery depths" of the moon.
By establishing a database of signs of life, scientists can further refine their search for exoplanets with the potential to host alien life. The study suggests that red dwarf stars may be well suited for purple bacteria. This is because a red sun would create the "most favorable conditions for photosynthesis."
