Are aliens green or purple? New study propose paradigm shift extraterrestrial life

NEW DELHI: A groundbreaking study led by astronomers has proposed a paradigm shift in the search for extraterrestrial life, suggesting that alien organisms might not be green as traditionally depicted but rather purple. The study, published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters, highlights the unique characteristics of purple bacteria, which could thrive under conditions different from those on Earth.Researchers emphasize the importance of expanding the scope of the search for life beyond conventional expectations, a Space.com report said.
In a statement, study co-author Lisa Kaltenegger of Cornell University explained the rationale behind the research, noting that the cataloging effort aims to ensure that telescopes don't overlook signs of life if it doesn't conform to familiar green pigments. The study's lead author, Lígia Fonseca Coelho of the Carl Sagan Institute, emphasized the potential for purple bacteria to flourish under diverse conditions, particularly around dim red stars.
The study involved measuring the chemical makeup of purple bacteria collected from various locations on Earth, including shallow pond waters and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Using simulations, researchers modeled scenarios where purple bacteria dominate on Earth-sized planets, offering a new dataset for informing future telescope observations, the Space.com report added.
The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the appearance of alien life and underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to astrobiology research. As Nasa's next-generation telescopes, such as the European Extremely Large Telescope and Nasa's Habitable Worlds Observatory, come online, astronomers hope to leverage these insights to enhance the search for extraterrestrial life.