Basis of Life Detected on Comet

The Philae lander, which successful attached itself to a passing comet on November 12, has “sniffed” out the basis of all life forms—carbon—according to scientists working with the data. The discovery may help link early developments of our planet and the possible role comets played in contributing to the building blocks of life. The team is still interpreting the results from the ice covered mass. Philae’s mission was to obtain a “soil” sample, which it was unable to do before its battery died at the week’s end. The scientists are waiting for a potential “sweet spot” near the sun for solar panels to recharge.