Titan is Saturn's biggest moon, but there are also other kinds of situations here that can support the emergence of life---even though there is no water here.
Titan is a rather big satellite---biggest of more than 60 moons around this planet. Its surface has rivers, lakes, and rainfall, but there is an "ocean of methane" here, somewhat like the earth's water cycle, which can make it conducive for life.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on July 4th, Martin Rahm, postdoctoral researcher in chemistry and lead author of the new study, "Polymorphism and Electronic Structure of Polyimine and Its Potential Significance for Prebiotic Chemistry on Titan" said that this study was only the beginning, as they are seeking signs of prebiotic chemistry in various celestial objects.
The Cassini and Huygens missions have located hydrogen cyanide (HCN) on Titan's surface, which is a significant precursor to life on earth too.
Researchers from Cornell University used computer models to locate hydrogen cyanide on Titan's surface, which could make it inhabitable through the formation of chains or polymers, especially polyimine. This chemical can stoke reactions and may also absorb solar energy through thick clouds.
"Polyimine can exist as different structures, and they may be able to accomplish remarkable things at low temperatures, especially under Titan's conditions," said Rahm.
In a press release, Rahm also said that much more research is needed to locate the growth of life here. "If future observations could show there is prebiotic chemistry in a place like Titan, it would be a major breakthrough. This paper is indicating that prerequisites for processes leading to a different kind of life could exist on Titan, but this only the first step," he added.
