A geologist friend and Pagan just sent me a report in the Journal of Cosmology of microfossils similar to trichomic cyanobacteria deep inside several meteorites. “Trichomic” means they resemble filaments, and “prokaryotes” are cells without a membrane bound nucleus. But these cells differ from all others of similar characteristics. Apparently they are not of earthly origin. For more on the paper, see this New York Times write up.
The journal reports that Dr. Richard P. Hoover, Astrobiology Group leader of the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center found fossils that can not be accounted for in explanations involving earthly origins. The Journal of Cosmology is a major scientific publication, with Dr. Rudy Schild, its editor-in-chief, with the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard-Smithsonian. These are the Big Boys and Girls. The paper can be read here.
This is wonderful news if the findings hold up. It will demonstrate that life exists elsewhere than on earth and while strongly challenging the fantasies of conservative Christians, will be in harmony with Pagan perspectives that the entire universe is in some sense Sacred.
This is something to watch as it unfolds. If this holds up I think it is really big. REALLY big.
UPDATE
NASA has disavowed the study. Apparently it reflected a lot of wishful thinking and, despite the journal’s claims, very poor refereeing.
One of the best things about science is its ability to eliminate bad arguments. Here is an example, even if many of us were hoping the work was solid.
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