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Is methane really a general purpose biomarker? I thought methane ice was pretty common on astrological bodies, and thus vast majority of methane in the univers
by cwkoss 6y ago
Is methane really a general purpose biomarker? I thought methane ice was pretty common on astrological bodies, and thus vast majority of methane in the universe is not created by biological processes.
- giantrobot 6y agoAtmospheric methane on a terrestrial planet would be a biomarker. Bio-suggestion maybe. Free methane in the atmosphere of a planet anywhere near the habitable zone of a star would be readily broken down. If there's a good amount detected it suggests replenishment by biological processes. Biological processes are definitely not the only source of methane. It's enough to warrant more observations or even new instruments.