Research from Cornell University suggests that the color palette we imagine for alien planets may be all wrong. On Earth, plants get their green color from chlorophyll pigments in their leaves, but what if photosynthesizing life forms on other planets used a different form of energy? Purple-pigmented bacteria that absorb energy in the form of invisible infrared radiation could thrive on alien planets, as they are resilient and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. This research seeks to expand our understanding of the potential colors of extraterrestrial life forms beyond what we encounter on Earth.
Scientists created models of Earth-like planets with varying conditions and cloud cover to simulate how different types of purple bacteria might survive on these planets. They then examined the color signatures these bacteria would produce under different conditions. The findings suggest that purple bacteria could thrive on a variety of worlds, leading to the idea that purple may be the new green when it comes to extraterrestrial life. This research aims to create a database for signs of life to ensure that telescopes do not miss life forms that may not look like what we are familiar with on Earth.
According to Lígia Fonseca Coelho, a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University’s Carl Sagan Institute and the first author of the study, purple bacteria are a primary contender for dominant life forms on alien worlds due to their ability to thrive in various conditions. Coelho highlights the importance of expanding our understanding of possible colors of extraterrestrial life beyond the green hue we associate with plant life on Earth. Co-author Lisa Kaltenegger, director of the Carl Sagan Institute and associate professor of astronomy at Cornell University, emphasizes that we are just beginning to explore the possibilities of fascinating worlds with different colors of life forms.
This research not only challenges our understanding of what colors extraterrestrial life forms may have but also sheds light on the diverse possibilities that exist beyond the conventional green palette on Earth. By exploring the potential of purple-pigmented bacteria thriving on alien planets, scientists are broadening our perspective on the colors of life forms that could exist in the vast universe. This study serves as a stepping stone in the ongoing quest to uncover the mysteries of extraterrestrial life and expand our knowledge of the diverse forms that life may take beyond our own planet. Research such as this opens up new avenues for exploration and discovery in the search for common ground in the vast cosmos.
