Philae found organic molecules in its 60 hours on a comet

[hsedin33]

So yah... there ya go..

http://www.sciencealert.com/philae-found-organic-molecules-in-its-60-hours-on-a-comet

Philae found organic molecules in its 60 hours on a comet

In the short window of time the European Space Agency comet lander had on comet 67P/C-G, it managed to detect organic molecules. Scientists are now trying to identify whether they are the kinds of molecule that could have brought life to Earth.

FIONA MACDONALD 19 NOV 2014

7.1k32

The European Space Agency (ESA) Philae only had a short amount of time to do science on Comet 67P/C-G before its batteries went flat due to a lack of sunlight - but within 60 hours the little lander managed to perform some important experiments and send a whole lot of data back to scientists on Earth.

The ESA confirmed to The Wall Street Journal exclusively on Monday that in this data was evidence that Philae had sniffed organic molecules in the comet's atmosphere. Organic compounds are those that contain carbon atoms, and they also happen to be the basis of life on planet Earth.

This could be a very exciting discovery, as it will help scientists understand more about the make-up of a comet, and potentially where life on Earth originated.

Scientists are now investigating further what type of molecules these are. The research "will help us to understand whether organic molecules were brought by comets to the early earth,” Stephan Ulamec, the Philae landing manager, told The Wall Street Journal.

The theory that life on Earth was brought by comets or meteors is known aspanspermia, and it opens up exciting possibilities for life in the rest of the Universe.

However, before we get too excited, it's also important to remember that we still have no idea what type of molecules we've found on Comet 67P/C-G - yes, they could be the kind that are building blocks for life, but they could also be simple things such as methane and methanol.

In fact, Rosetta had already detected traces of methane and methanol, two non-life-building organic gasses in the atmosphere of the comet, so it's possible Philae has just found further evidence of these. Scientists also need to work out whether the molecules on the comet are left- or right-handed.

As Rachel Feltman writes for The Washington Post:

"So while we can still hope to learn a tonne about comets, the origin of life and the nature of the solar system from the interpretation of Rosetta's data, don't let hype make you jump the gun. We should be excited that Philae's instruments worked well enough to sniff these molecules out, but that's the only takeaway for now."

Perhaps the most exciting part about this whole discovery is the fact that it's proof that Philae's equipment works well enough to do some serious science. Philae powered down over the weekend after it only got 1.5 hours of light a day instead of the expected seven. But although the little lander has fallen silent for now, there's a chance that it could get more sunlight as the comet moves closer to the Sun and its solar-powered batteries could turn it back on at least for a few more hours.

And who knows what else it could teach us in that next little window of life.

“Prior to falling silent, the lander was able to transmit all science data gathered during the First Science Sequence,” Ulamec told The Wall Street Journal. “This machine performed magnificently under tough conditions, and we can be fully proud of the incredible scientific success Philae has delivered.”

Source: The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post

[Ghostsof1915]

Aliens.

[Tortorella's Rant]

Creationists heads explode.

[VICanucksfan5551]

Creationists heads explode.

Why?

[Chalky]

I am so JACKED! on space right now.

[MusclePharm]

Why?

really?

[VICanucksfan5551]

really?

Seeing as we've found amino acids in meteorites before, I don't think finding other organic compounds on a comet is going to do much to change their worldview.

[Tortorella's Rant]

Seeing as we've found amino acids in meteorites before, I don't think finding other organic compounds on a comet is going to do much to change their worldview.

It's always good to remind them. Especially if it's recent. Cognitive dissonance. There's a reason why most of them don't know jack about what it is they claim isn't true

[nucklehead]

I thought it was already understood that the universe is seeded.

[FramingDragon]

nbd tbh

[VICanucksfan5551]

It's always good to remind them. Especially if it's recent. Cognitive dissonance. There's a reason why most of them don't know jack about what it is they claim isn't true

I'm not sure the presence of organic compounds on a comet is even a footnote in the mountains of evidence against creationism, much less something that'd make their heads explode. This is especially true if the organic material just ends up being methane or something else irrelevant to the idea of panspermia.

[Mr. Ambien]

I'm not sure the presence of organic compounds on a comet is even a footnote in the mountains of evidence against creationism, much less something that'd make their heads explode. This is especially true if the organic material just ends up being methane or something else irrelevant to the idea of panspermia.

There's already enough evidence to dismiss any theological idea of creationism. Perhaps not creationism in the abstract, but I doubt that'll ever be the case. So why so many non-religious have this attitude like every scientific exploration is out to prove religion wrong is beyond me. Massive inferiority complex rearing it's head, for no good reason.

[Green Building]

This is easily the coolest scientific achievement in recent memory. Talk about an ambiguous statement . I really hope that Philae can recoup some power in the coming years and boot up again as there is so much left to be discovered. Nevertheless, the fact that this probe even landed on a comet is a success in my eyes.

There's already enough evidence to dismiss any theological idea of creationism. Perhaps not creationism in the abstract, but I doubt that'll ever be the case. So why so many non-religious have this attitude like every scientific exploration is out to prove religion wrong is beyond me. Massive inferiority complex rearing it's head, for no good reason.

Well, since the exploration of science is rooted in doubt (of one's own findings), and criticism (of one's peers), does inferiority really surprise you?

Say yes with a straight face.

The way I see it the "good reason" keeps everyone honest within the community no matter the findings.