Key Takeaways:
- The panspermia hypothesis posits that life on Earth originated from extraterrestrial "seeds" of life.
- Proposed mechanisms for the transport of these life "seeds" include meteorites, comets, and spacecraft.
- The concept of panspermia has historical roots, dating back to the writings of Anaxagoras in the 5th century B.C.
- Some scientists, such as Sir Frederick Hoyle, have suggested panspermia as an explanation for the origin of life and its ongoing dissemination.
The panspermia hypothesis suggests life began on Earth when the “seeds” of life, already present in the universe, arrived here from space. How did these seeds, or microbes, get here? Proposed transport methods include meteorites, comets, and spacecraft.
Greek philosopher Anaxagoras wrote about the idea in the 5th century B.C. Since then, other scientists, including British astronomer Sir Frederick Hoyle (1915–2001), believed panspermia not only explained how life originated here, but also proposed the process continues to bring microbes or other life-forms to Earth. — Laura Layton, Associate Editor
The panspermia hypothesis suggests life began on Earth when the “seeds” of life, already present in the universe, arrived here from space.
