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arXiv:astro-ph/0403049astro-ph

Does life's rapid appearance imply a Martian origin?

P. C. W. Davies

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Abstract

The hypothesis that the rapid appearance of life on Earth justifies the belief that life is widespread in the universe has been investigated statistically by Lineweaver and Davis. However, a rapid appearance could also be interpreted as evidence for a nonterrestrial origin. I attempt to quantify the relative probabilities for a nonindigenous versus an indigenous origin of life on Earth, on the assumption that biogenesis involved one or more highly improbable steps, using a generalization of the well known observer selection argument of Carter. The analysis is specifically applied to a Martian origin of life, with subsequent transfer to Earth within impact ejecta.

arXiv comments
10 pages, no figures, research paper
Journal reference
Astrobiology 3 (2003) 673
DOI
doi:10.1089/153110703322736006
Subjects
astro-phAstrophysics

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  1. Minerals represent potential biosignatures in the search for life on Mars 1 comment

    • This. Not all ejecta from asteroid/comet impact is vaporized. Some is launched at escape velocity mostly undisturbed[1]. Mars both cooled first, giving it a leg up to allow biogenesis[2], and has lower escape velocity, making easier for rock chunks to be launched from there to…

      QemView on HNParent context

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