Simulated space ice

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Simulated space ice

Simulated space ice. Light micrograph of vesicles (round structures) in ice formed under conditions simulating those in space. Mixtures of the common space molecules, such as water, ammonia and simple hydrocarbons, were frozen at low temperatures and then exposed to ultraviolet radiation to simulate sunlight. The vesicles, 10 micrometres wide, show membrane-like properties, a possible precursor to cellular life. Products from the experiments also included complex biological molecules. The results support the theories that the origin of Earth, and other life, involved space ices impacting planets and depositing organic materials. Photographed at NASAs Ames Research Center, California, USA

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Media ID 6402097

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Alien Research Astrobiological Astrobiology Centre Exobiological Exobiology Experiment Experimental Extraterrestrial Life Ices Life Membrane Membranes Nasa Organic Origin Photochemistry Slide Study Synthesis Universe Vesicle Vesicles Ames Research Center Light Micrograph

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases simulated space ice, offering a glimpse into the potential origins of life beyond our planet. The image, captured at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, reveals vesicles - round structures - embedded within the ice. These vesicles, measuring 10 micrometres wide, exhibit membrane-like properties that could serve as precursors to cellular life. To recreate conditions found in space, scientists froze mixtures of common space molecules like water, ammonia, and simple hydrocarbons at extremely low temperatures. They then exposed these frozen samples to ultraviolet radiation simulating sunlight. The results were astounding; not only did the vesicles display intriguing characteristics but complex biological molecules were also detected. These findings provide substantial support for theories suggesting that Earth's origin and the emergence of life involved space ices colliding with planets and depositing organic materials. This research delves into various fields such as biology, chemistry, astrobiology, and exobiology – all contributing to our understanding of the universe's vast possibilities. The implications are profound: this study hints at the existence of extraterrestrial life by demonstrating how fundamental building blocks can form under simulated cosmic conditions. As we explore further into astrochemistry and exochemical synthesis through experimental studies like this one conducted at NASA's Ames Research Center, we inch closer to unraveling mysteries surrounding alien research and potentially discovering new frontiers in our quest for knowledge about life beyond Earth.

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