Life on Earth may have emerged not from a single, dramatic lightning strike but through countless tiny electrical discharges occurring in water droplets. Research indicates that microlightning, generated by crashing waves or waterfalls, could have led to the formation of essential organic molecules. Scientists have long debated how life began, with theories suggesting that lightning interacting with early atmospheric gases may have created crucial compounds. However, new findings suggest that small electrical charges produced in water spray could have played a key role in the process, offering an alternative explanation to the widely known Miller-Urey hypothesis.

Organic Molecules Formed Without External Electricity

According to the study published in Science Advances, water droplets subjected to a mixture of gases believed to be present in Earth’s early atmosphere resulted in the formation of organic molecules. The research, led by Richard Zare, the Marguerite Blake Wilbur Professor of Natural Science at Stanford University, explored how water spray generated electrical charges capable of forming carbon-nitrogen bonds—essential for life. Postdoctoral scholars Yifan Meng and Yu Xia, along with graduate student Jinheng Xu, contributed to the study, which challenges the idea that lightning strikes were necessary to initiate the chemical reactions leading to life.

Microlightning and Chemical Reactions in Water Droplets

The research team discovered that water droplets of varying sizes developed opposite electrical charges when dispersed. Larger droplets typically carried a positive charge, while smaller ones were negatively charged. When these oppositely charged droplets came into proximity, tiny electrical sparks—termed “microlightning” by Zare—were observed. These discharges were captured using high-speed cameras, revealing flashes of energy powerful enough to drive chemical reactions.

When room-temperature water was sprayed into a gas mixture containing nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia—compounds believed to be abundant on early Earth—organic molecules such as hydrogen cyanide, glycine, and uracil were produced. These findings suggest that microlightning from water droplets may have contributed significantly to the formation of life’s building blocks, without the need for large-scale lightning strikes.

A New Perspective on Life’s Origins

Zare stated in Tech Explore that water droplets in constant motion—whether crashing into rocks or dispersing into the air—could have repeatedly generated these microelectric discharges. This mechanism, he explained, may resolve challenges associated with the Miller-Urey hypothesis, which has been criticised for its reliance on infrequent lightning events over vast oceans.

Beyond its implications for the origins of life, the study also aligns with previous research from Zare’s team on the reactivity of water droplets. Prior investigations have demonstrated how divided water can spontaneously generate hydrogen peroxide and contribute to ammonia production. He emphasised that while water is often perceived as chemically passive, when broken into tiny droplets, it becomes highly reactive, capable of driving significant chemical transformations.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the undocking of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), marking a significant step towards future space missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. The announcement was made earlier today, confirming the controlled separation of two satellites, a crucial milestone in India’s space docking capabilities. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of nations—the United States, Russia, and China—that have demonstrated this advanced technology. The mission is expected to contribute to upcoming projects, including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, aimed at advancing India’s long-term presence in space.

Sequence of Events During the Undocking Process

As per reports, according to ISRO, the undocking procedure involved several critical steps, beginning with the extension of SDX-2, followed by the planned release of capture lever 3. The disengagement of the capture mechanism and the issuance of the de-capture command enabled the satellites to separate as intended. The process was executed precisely, ensuring the stability of both spacecraft after separation.

In a statement shared on social media, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO, highlighting that the breakthrough strengthens India’s ability to conduct complex space missions. He emphasised that continued government support, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a crucial role in advancing India’s space ambitions.

Background and Future Experiments

The SpaDeX mission was launched on 30 December 2024 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, with two satellites, SDX-01 and SDX-02, docking successfully on 16 January. According to news agency PTI, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed that additional experiments with the docking system would begin on 15 March. He explained that the unified satellite currently remains in an elliptical orbit, providing a limited window every two months for further testing.

The technology demonstrated in SpaDeX is expected to be instrumental in future space station missions and multi-launch projects. By proving the ability to dock and undock satellites, ISRO moves closer to enabling in-orbit refuelling, satellite servicing, and long-duration human spaceflight missions.