Life May Have Developed Influenced by Nuclear Reactors

Astrobiologists say that naturally-occurring nuclear reactors may have contributed, or at least influenced, the development of life here on Earth. Since the constructs occur by themselves, it is entirely possible that they exist on extrasolar planets as well.

While the amount of data available on this issue is hazy, investigators can safely assume that the influence naturally-occurring radiations had on the development of life may have been at least complex. Quantifying the exact effects is however a nearly-impossible task.

Evidence of nuclear reactors on Earth has been found in an African cave in 1972. Large uranium deposits were compacted in a single spot, which eventually led to them igniting a nuclear fission reaction. The decay of uranium led to the creation of energy and other, more stable chemicals.

On a cold world, such a process could warm the atmosphere sufficiently for lifeforms to develop. But this is currently just speculation, Space reports.