Aliens could possibly be ‘lurking deep in oceans of different worlds’ however they ‘cover proof’

Scientists have suggested that searching for life in extraterrestrial seas may be more difficult than previously thought – even when we can sample the waters directly

A groundbreaking study proposes that extraterrestrial life could be hiding in the uncharted depths of oceans on distant planets in space.

According to scientists, the quest for life in these alien seas may be more complicated than initially thought, even with direct access to their waters. Researchers focused their attention on Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, which ejects its oceanic water into space through fissures in its icy crust. Utilising computer simulations akin to those employed in studying Earth’s oceans, the team’s findings have significant implications for the pursuit of life within our solar system and beyond.

The study reveals that the unique physics of these extraterrestrial oceans might prevent evidence of deep-sea alien life from being detected.

Published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment, the research demonstrates how Enceladus’s ocean forms distinct layers that “dramatically slow” the movement of material from the ocean floor to the surface.

As a result, chemical indicators, microbes and organic matter tell-tale signs of life that scientists seek may degrade or transform while traversing the ocean’s distinct layers.

Consequently, biological signatures may become unrecognisable by the time they reach the surface, where spacecraft can collect samples, even if life flourishes in the deep ocean below.

Study lead author Flynn Ames commented: “Imagine trying to detect life at the depths of Earth’s oceans by only sampling water from the surface.

“That’s the challenge we face with Enceladus, except we’re also dealing with an ocean whose physics we do not fully understand.”

Mr Ames, a doctoral student in the department of meteorology at the University of Reading, said: “We’ve found that Enceladus’ ocean should behave like oil and water in a jar, with layers that resist vertical mixing.”

“These natural barriers could trap particles and chemical traces of life in the depths below for hundreds to hundreds of thousands of years.

“Previously, it was thought that these things could make their way efficiently to the ocean top within several months.”

He added: “As the search for life continues, future space missions will need to be extra careful when sampling Enceladus’s surface waters.”