Astronomers have detected a surprising amount of phosphorus of the fringes of the galaxy, known for being a key ingredient for life. Life on our planet requires six vital elements: oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, sulfur and phosphorus. Whilst the first five are relatively common in space, phosphorus is far rarer and often indicated as the limiting factor for life outside of our atmosphere.
“To make phosphorus, you need some kind of violent event," said Lucy Ziurys, corresponding author of the study. “It is thought that phosphorus is created in supernova explosions, and for that, you need a star that has at least 20 times the mass of the Sun. In other words, if you're going to have life, you better be near a supernova, if that's indeed the only source where phosphorus is created.”
The new discovery of phosphorus in an area previously thought impossible to exist, raises the question of unknown mechanisms that could create the chemical and even the notion that it could be far more abundant than first thought.
These mechanisms could include ‘galactic fountains’ or more likely, intermediate stars that could produce the chemical by stripping neutrons out of carbon atoms and combing them with silicon atoms.
“This has been postulated in theory, and so it could possibly explain another source of phosphorus in addition to supernovae, and I think we have good evidence supporting this now,” said Ziurys.
The discovery has significantly increased not only the possibly of alien life, but also the abundance that could exist.
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