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, LÃgia 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.
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