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General Science / Re: Why does everyone ask if life could 'start' in space?
« on: 22/05/2015 00:28:32 »
I agree whole-heartedly that existence of life here strongly suggests that it could start elsewhere as well.
However, I do not think it is likely that life could start "in space" (splitting hairs here, I know). If life arises from random (and rare) interactions between molecules, it is most likely to arise where there are large concentrations of necessary molecules in a fairly controlled environment. Planets and moons would fit the bill, but I would be very surprised if life could arise in diffuse gas clouds or the high vacuum of interstellar (even interplanetary) space...
However, I do not think it is likely that life could start "in space" (splitting hairs here, I know). If life arises from random (and rare) interactions between molecules, it is most likely to arise where there are large concentrations of necessary molecules in a fairly controlled environment. Planets and moons would fit the bill, but I would be very surprised if life could arise in diffuse gas clouds or the high vacuum of interstellar (even interplanetary) space...