Scientists have analyzed all available data related to the possible existence of life beyond Earth—from alleged ancient fossils in meteorites to numerous reports of "aliens." After a thorough review and elimination of questionable evidence, they compiled a short list of truly intriguing facts, with particular attention given to the Murchison and Orgueil meteorites.

Orgueil Meteorite: The First Discoveries

In May 1864, a meteoroid exploded over southwestern France, scattering fragments near the village of Orgueil, not far from Toulouse. Initial chemical analyses revealed the presence of organic compounds in the meteorite. However, the real sensation came a century later, when microscopic structures resembling fossilized single-celled algae, such as diatoms, were discovered in the meteorite under an electron microscope. These findings were soon met with harsh criticism: they were declared either mineral formations or the result of contamination by terrestrial life after the meteorite's fall.

Murchison Meteorite: Organics and the "Letters of Life"

In September 1969, another bright fireball broke apart over Australia, showering the town of Murchison with fragments. Immediately after the fall, amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—were found in the meteorite. Their structure was of particular interest: the molecules included both "left-handed" and "right-handed" forms, whereas on Earth, only "left-handed" amino acids are found.

In 2022, all five nitrogenous bases that make up DNA and RNA were discovered in the Murchison meteorite. After decades of avoiding discussion of the Orgueil meteorite, the topic resurfaced: no traces of terrestrial DNA were found in the discovered microstructures, weakening accusations of contamination after the meteorite landed on Earth.

Modern Research and Conclusions

Recently, Iranian biologists conducted a new analysis of data on these meteorites and other possible signs of extraterrestrial life. In their article for the International Journal of Astrobiology, they concluded that complex organics are indeed present in the Orgueil and Murchison meteorites, and that the "ingredients" of life form in space. However, the question of whether fossilized alien microbes exist remains open.

The most convincing argument for the possibility of extraterrestrial biology, according to scientists, is the discovery of the "letters" of the genetic alphabet in the Murchison meteorite, as well as the many organic compounds astronomers have detected in interstellar clouds.

Prospects for the Search for Life Beyond Earth

Biologists emphasize that life beyond Earth cannot be ruled out, as there are other worlds in the Solar System with potentially habitable environments. In particular, there is speculation about subsurface oceans on Jupiter's moon Europa, Saturn's moon Enceladus, and several other icy moons. Moreover, there is little doubt that billions of years ago, Mars had oceans and a dense atmosphere.

Evidence of Intelligent Life: Still Unanswered

Scientists have also considered various alleged pieces of evidence for the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life. For example, they mentioned "glowing flying spheres" observed in the lower layers of the atmosphere. One such incident occurred in Iran in September 1976, when residents of Tehran and fighter pilots scrambled to intercept witnessed an unusual object in the sky. The authors of the study do not deny the facts of such observations, but believe that the nature of these phenomena remains unexplained for now.