Expanding the Search For Life To Purple Planets

In search for alien life, purple may be the new green. On Earth, green signifies life, thanks to chlorophyll-driven photosynthesis. But on exoplanets, Cornell researchers have found that purple could be a key color to look for. Some bacteria on Earth already use infrared light for photosynthesis and contain purple pigments instead. This discovery means that potential alien worlds with dominant purple bacteria might emit a unique "light fingerprint" detectable by advanced telescopes.
Lisa Kaltenegger, Carl Sagan Institute (CSI) director and associate professor of astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Lígia Fonseca Coelho, a postdoctoral associate at CSI, discuss this research.
Learn more here: news.cornell.edu/stories/2024...

[@NixonsFarm]

Cornell has had some of the world's greatest astronomers on its faculty -- Professor
Lisa Kaltenegger, Tommy Gold, Frank Drake, and my old professor, Carl Sagan. Go Big Red!❤

[@holaplaneta1968]

I'm so excited. Curiosity and facts-based focus are the main reasons we all know a little bit about what's here and somewhere else. I would wish to be still here when the "To be or not to be" question is finally answered. Good job! Keep going, ladies!

[@sunilsharma-ow9pn]

Her expressions are phenomenal ❤

[@fabiano8888]

I'm captivated by every nuance of her body language. It's truly fabulous and infectious, the way she communicates through her movements. ❤

[@sergiomartins1689]

Cientista Ligia, valorizo que cientistas como você façam pesquisas que vai para além do nosso mundo e que explorem o nosso universo. Mas se quiser saber mais sobre ETs aconselho-a a assistir as palestras do professor Laércio Fonseca.

[@sharcon3891]

Oh for pete's sake, if this woman wants to be taken seriously, WHY is she presenting this subject like a cheaply done sensational youtube video, complete with purple lighting and spooky hand movements? This is a disgrace to Cornell University. Is she going to read tarot cards next?

[@landy-gyebnar]

I also felt like seeing a witch high on some drug, not a scientist. Her way of her talk and hand movements are extremely annoying.

[@NatarajSubramanian]

Just pay heed to the content. It's her manner of speaking. I think she is just passionate about the subject. What's your problem?

[@mike13891]

So you're saying researchers aren't allowed to have personalities? Can you summarize what she says in the video for me?