Panspermia/A critique of Panspermia according to Hoyle

(Review Paper) Cited in Panspermia/A critique of Panspermia according to Hoyle

Points Made

The Hoyle-Wickramasinghe panspermia theory proposes that life on earth was originated approximately 4 billion years ago by comets containing microbial life. Some of these microorganisms continue to be found. Nowadays Panspermia is considered as a serious alternative to life being originated solely on earth. Research performed by Becquerel and some other scientists in 1924 suggested that bacteria would not survive the radioactive environment of space, especially ultraviolet radiation. This theory was later proven wrong when it was discovered that microorganisms are not so easily destroyed by ultraviolet radiation but are rather rendered dormant which could easily be reversed when environmental conditions become favorable for the microorganism.

Methods

Research performed demonstrated that bacteria can survive the extreme conditions that exist in space. It can withstand radiation as well as extremely low temperatures.These bacteria are able to do this by using a condensed thin coating of carbonaceous material around them as a shield from potentially harmful radiation. During the 1970’s inorganic dust had properties identical to particles of bacterial composition. These bacteria were primarily found in interstellar dust and can trace the origin of some particles on earth. Replication of these particles is not possible in the interstellar environment; Therefore Hoyle- Wickramasinghe suggested that microbial life follows the amplification process that stars, comets and planetary systems go through on the cosmic life cycle. Comets are then considered to amplify microbial life during this life cycle that can last a few billion years.

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Results

Microbial life on earth can be dated back to around 3.8 billion years (3.8 Gy) when comets and asteroid were bombarding the earth. This microbial life can be found or earth in new habitats such as geothermal vents, ocean floor, radioactive dumps and Antarctic soil. The microorganisms recovered from the Earth’s crust prove that microbial life can survive the pressure of the ocean depths. Recent discoveries continue to support that microbial life was transferred in the cosmic life cycle and therefore transferred to earth.

Micro-fossils of cyanobacteria were found embedded in the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites which further raises the possibility of life on comets.Micro-fossils of cyanobacteria were found embedded in the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites which further raises the possibility of life on comets..