On the other side of the galaxy

This is like a miracle especially if you think that it is only hours since the great Arthur Clarke died. A carbon-containing molecule has been detected for the first time on a planet outside our Solar System.

The organic compound methane was found in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a star some 63 light years away. Water has also been found in its atmosphere, but scientists say the planet is far too hot to support life.

The discovery, unveiled in the journal Nature, is an important step towards exploring new worlds that might be more hospitable to life, they say. Methane, made up of carbon and hydrogen, is the simplest possible organic compound. Under certain circumstances, methane can play a key role in prebiotic chemistry - the chemical reactions considered necessary to form life. Scientists detected the gas in the atmosphere of a Jupiter-sized planet known as HD 189733b.

The other side of the moon Clarke dreamt of, or better the other side of the galaxy!

Arthur C Clarke died

One of the best, most likely the best, science fiction author just died. With him science fiction had a real meaning since his work was based into scientific facts, scientist himself!

And is so weird, a few weeks before I bought a book with a collection of Arthur Clarke’s very early works, short stories coming from early ‘30s and I was so amazed with his talent. Nothing to say about the 2001 of course, his magnificent Space Odyssey.

I think for the next few days so many people will write about him that it doesn’t matter what I say in this blog but there is one thing, Clarke’s books kept me alive, aware and questioning always! Rest in peace Sir Arthur!