http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1284013/Do-aliens-live-Saturn-moon.html
Scientists have found evidence that there is life on Saturn's biggest moon,
Titan.
They have discovered clues that primitive aliens are breathing in Titan's
atmosphere and feeding on fuel at the surface.
The startling discoveries, made using an orbiting spacecraft, are revealed in
two separate reports.
Saturn's moon, Titan, pictured using ultraviolet and infrared cameras on board
the space probe Cassini. Scientists now believe that the moon could harbour life
Data from Nasa's Cassini probe has analysed the complex chemistry on the
surface of Titan - the only moon known to have a dense atmosphere.
Its surface is covered with mountains, lakes and rivers which has led
astronomers to call it the most Earthlike world in the solar system.
Organic chemicals had already been detected on the 3,200-mile wide planet. But
the liquid on Titan is not water but methane and the scientists expect life
there to be methane-based.
The first paper, in the journal Icarus, shows that hydrogen gas flowing down
through Titan's atmosphere disappears at the surface, suggesting it could be
being breathed by alien bugs.
The second paper, in the Journal of Geophysical Research, reports there is a
lack of a certain chemical on the surface, leading scientists to believe it may
be being consumed by life.
Look familiar? An artist's conception showing Titan's Earthlike surface with
Saturn appearing dimly in the background through the thick atmosphere
Scientists had expected sunlight interacting with chemicals in the atmosphere
to produce acetylene that falls down to coat Titan's surface. But Cassini
detected no acetylene there.
Experts warn that there could be other explanations for the results.
But taken together, they fulfil two important conditions necessary for
methane-based life to exist.
Nasa astrobiologist Chris McKay said: 'If these signs do turn out to be a sign
of life, it would be doubly exciting because it would represent a second form
of life independent from water-based life on Earth.'
Scientists believe that when the Sun swells up, swallowing Earth, conditions
could be ideal on a warmer Titan.
Professor John Zarnecki, of the Open University, said: 'We believe the
chemistry is there for life to form. It just needs heat and warmth to
kick-start the process.
'In four billion years' time, when the Sun swells into a red giant, it could be
paradise on Titan.'
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