The Why Files: Operation Podcast 528: We Are the Aliens | Life's Interstellar Journey to Earth: Panspermia
Feb 5, 2024
Explore the captivating concept of panspermia which suggests microbes traveling across the cosmos could be the ancestors of all life on Earth. Discover the scientific arguments supporting this idea, the skepticism it faces, and recent discoveries in space exploration and biology reshaping our understanding of life's origins. Challenge your perspective on humanity's place in the universe, opening doors to a new understanding of our cosmic neighborhood.
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Panspermia vs. Abiogenesis
- Panspermia, meaning "all seed," suggests life on Earth originated from microbes delivered from space.
- This challenges abiogenesis, the theory of life arising from inorganic matter on Earth.
Arrhenius and Extremophiles
- Svante Arrhenius experimented with extremophiles, exposing them to near absolute zero temperatures.
- Some revived upon reheating, suggesting extraterrestrial origins.
Extremophiles' Resilience
- Extremophiles thrive in extreme conditions like hydrothermal vents, high pressure, and acidic environments.
- Their existence expands our understanding of life's possibilities beyond typical Earth conditions.