Computer models that took into account a specific chemical element on Titan’s surface suggest that the exotic moon may represent the perfect environment to host life. However, don’t expect the life as we know it on Earth, but microbial life spurred by the rocky world’s methane-rich conditions.

Titan has stirred the imagination of scientists and space exploration fans for decades due to its methane lakes and methane-laden clouds. While surface pressures are similar to our planet’s, temperatures can sink as low as -180 degrees C.

Earth and Titan are currently the only known space bodies to host liquid on their surfaces.

Some researchers suspect that Titan’s methane lakes may host alien life, but they lack any compelling evidence. Yet, a new study brings at least some theoretical reason to back that hypothesis up.

Study authors noted that both experimental and observational data showed that there is plenty of hydrogen cyanide in the moon’s skies. The element can bond hydrogen together which can create the perfect conditions for simple alien microorganisms to thrive.

Hydrogen cyanide can also morph into polyimine, which can absorb the weak solar radiation that makes it through Titan’s thick atmosphere and convert it into energy. Researchers believe that there is a high chance for polyimine to be present even though it hasn’t been yet detected.

So, computer models based on quantum calculations show that the conditions to sustain life can be created due to polyimine despite frigid temperatures on the moon’s surface. This applies especially to the tidal pools close to Titan’s methane seas.

Nevertheless, scientists acknowledged that the possibility was “very speculative.” They added that the finding should not be seen as a prediction but as a possibility which might or might not occur.

Researchers said that their hypothesis that life may exist in environments that lack water and cozy temperatures need to be confirmed by an exploratory mission to Titan.

Even Robert Ballard, the famous explorer who spotted the Titanic’s wreck, showed great interest in a mission to explore Titan’s lakes. He said last year that humanity has got to go there.

A research paper on the latest findings was published July 5, 2016 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Image Source: Flickr