Scientists continue search for life on other planets

By Katie Nieland - 06/05/2008

Kelly Cline

Once found only in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, extraterrestrial life may soon become more than a Star Trek fan’s dream.

Kelly Cline, an associate professor of math and astronomy at Carroll College, discussed the possibility of life on other planets at a recent lecture at Montana Tech.

“There is the potential for some major breakthroughs within the next generation,” he said.

To look for life on other planets, astrobiologists first must look at what enables life on Earth: water.

Water is necessary and hard to find in the universe. To exist, water needs pressure (from an atmosphere and gravity) and a temperature range that is not too hot or cold.

“For cells to function, water is necessary,” Cline said.

On the quest for planetary life, astrobiologists have looked intensely at Mars.

Mars has markings on its surface that look like Earth’s tributary systems. It also has methane and water vapor in its atmosphere — two substances that may signal life.

On Sunday, a NASA vehicle landed on Mars and worked to drill below the surface where life may be hiding.

Two moons, Europa of Jupiter and Enceladus of Saturn, may also have oceans beneath their icy crusts, which could be the right environment for life.

Simple life (bacteria) on Earth took a relatively short time to emerge — 100 million years. Complex life (life that swims and eats) took much longer. Intelligent life has only existed on Earth for an astronomical millisecond.

“This tells me it’s not that hard to create simple life,” Cline said. “This also means that developing intelligent life is very hard.” Cline said NASA’s terrestrial planet finder — a tandem team of telescopes — is scheduled to launch in 2020.

The finder will search for free-standing oxygen, which is rare in the universe.

“The reason we have oxygen is green plants,” Cline said. “Free-roaming oxygen has no substantial non-biological cause.” Life or a lack of life — either way — will be an “amazing discovery,” Cline said.

Kirk Warren, of Butte, an audience member, said this research will be something to look forward to.

“If we do find life it’s exciting,” he said after the presentation. “If we don’t, it’s still exciting because I guess that means we’re pretty special.” — Reporter Katie Nieland may be reached at katienieland@gmail.com.