The Ingredients for Life in Space

Hank Green discusses a discovery by scientists that amino acids, essential for life, can form anywhere in the solar system, suggesting potential for life beyond Earth. The study simulated comet impacts, forming amino acids on icy surfaces. While this raises hopes for life on icy worlds like Europa, Mars shows no methane, a life indicator. Despite this, the search for life continues, with the possibility of discovering new life forms.

What did scientists discover about amino acids in the solar system?

• They can only form on Mars.

• They are not essential for life.

• They can form anywhere in the solar system.

• They can only form on Earth.

What is the significance of amino acids forming on icy worlds like Europa?

• It suggests the possibility of life beyond Earth.

• It confirms life exists on Europa.

• It proves amino acids are not important.

• It shows Europa is uninhabitable.

What was the initial belief about methane on Mars?

• Methane was never detected.

• There was a significant amount of methane.

• Methane was abundant in the solar system.

• Methane was only found on Earth.

What did further analysis reveal about methane on Mars?

• There is a large amount of methane.

• There is a negligible amount of methane.

• Methane is abundant on Mars.

• There is no methane at all.

What does the lack of methane on Mars suggest about life there?

• Life as we know it is unlikely to exist.

• Mars is teeming with life.

• Life is definitely present on Mars.

• Mars has more life than Earth.