The team of Russian experts stumbled across the startling find during a routine cleaning and polishing mission of the outside surface of the ISS.
"We have found traces of sea plankton and microscopic particles on the illuminator surface.”
You’ve probably seen the fantastical headlines flying around social media or the web this week that Russian cosmonauts have reported discovering traces of sea plankton living on the exterior of the International Space Station, exposed to the harsh, airless vacuum of space. The only problem is that the Russians’ American ISS roommates from NASA don’t seem to agree with the assessment that there’s some sort of microscopic space barnacles clinging to their orbiting home.
There is currently no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life in outer space. However, there have been several potential signs, such as the discovery of microbial life on Mars and the presence of organic molecules on Saturn's moon Enceladus.
There are several methods scientists use to detect extraterrestrial life, including searching for biosignatures such as the presence of certain gases in a planet's atmosphere, looking for patterns in radio signals, and analyzing data from space probes or rovers.
It is uncertain what kind of life could exist in outer space, as we have only studied life on Earth. However, scientists have proposed the possibility of microbial life or even intelligent beings in other parts of the universe.
The discovery of extraterrestrial life would likely have a significant impact on humanity, both scientifically and culturally. It could provide insight into the origins of life and our place in the universe, as well as raise questions about the potential for communication and interaction with other forms of life.
Yes, scientists and organizations such as NASA are actively searching for extraterrestrial life through various missions and projects. These efforts include sending probes and rovers to other planets, analyzing data from telescopes and satellites, and developing new technologies to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life.