Study Reveals Alien Life Might Have Purple Color Instead of Green

A new study published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society suggests that alien life might have a different appearance than life on Earth. The research proposes that aliens might be purple in color, possibly due to being covered in bacteria. The study speculates that these alien organisms could be residing on a planet similar to Earth but with little to no visible light, possibly orbiting smaller and dimmer stars.

In such conditions, the organisms could survive by running their metabolism on other infrared light. The researchers draw parallels to the existence of infrared-powered bacteria on Earth, such as those found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents or dark marshes, which can survive through photosynthesis in low light conditions. These bacteria use various forms of chlorophyll to convert light into food without producing oxygen, making them independent of oxygen components.

The study suggests that the possibility of alien life being purple opens up new avenues for the search for surface life beyond Earth. While it remains uncertain whether life, including purple bacteria, can evolve on other worlds, the concept of purple as a potential color of alien life introduces an intriguing perspective in the exploration of extraterrestrial life.