Refuted theory about the existence of life on nearby exoplanets

The researchers assessed whether star M class (red dwarf) to produce enough ultraviolet.

Scientists at Harvard University and Harvard-Smithsonian center for astrophysics found that red dwarfs, including the closest to the Sun, produce an insufficient amount of UV light to their earth-like planets could be life. This discovery will help to narrow the search suitable for living organisms of the worlds. The corresponding article was published in The Astrophysical Journal.

It is known that UV radiation is necessary for the formation of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which are involved in the transmission of genetic information from DNA to the protein synthesizing ribosomes, as well as perform other important functions. According to the hypothesis of RNA world these acids were the precursors of the cells and could replicate themselves, being both the world’s first enzymes.

The researchers assessed whether star M class (red dwarf) to produce enough ultraviolet radiation to stimulate the formation of RNA on the planets of earth type. It turned out that is generated in these systems the UV radiation in the 100-1000 times smaller than it was on Earth before the appearance of the first cells. Therefore, life on extrasolar planets orbiting red dwarfs, most likely, could not appear.

Previously, scientists reported the discovery of earth-like planets around red dwarfs Proxima b, LHS 1140b and TRAPPIST-1. It is assumed that they may contain liquid water, necessary for the existence of living organisms, but the stars of the M-class is too active, that reduces the probability of suitable conditions.

paradox