Research report 2017 - Max Planck Institute for Astronomy

Bringing the building blocks of life down to Earth, from space

Authors
Dmitry Semenov; Thomas K. Henning
Departments
Planeten- und Sternentstehung
Summary
Astronomers from McMaster University and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy have completed calculations that lead to a consistent scenario for the emergence of life on Earth, based on astronomical, geological, chemical and biological models. In this scenario, life forms a mere few hundred million years after Earth’s surface was cool enough for liquid water; the essential building blocks for life were formed in space during the formation of the solar system, and delivered to warm little ponds on Earth by meteorites.

For the full text, see the German version.

Go to Editor View