Science & Tech · Space · 7 hrs ago
A lifeless-Earth simulation could help identify promising worlds for alien-life searches
A new computer model simulates Earth evolving without life to help scientists assess whether distant planets might be inhabited.
Planetary scientist Samantha Gilbert-Janizek, who developed it at the University of California, Riverside, built on an earlier model of a planet’s interior.
The simulation adds the surface and atmosphere, tracking 19 non-biological properties, including heat and gas flows.
It traces a lifeless Earth from its formation 4.5 billion years ago to 500 million years in the future, and still produces oceans and an atmosphere.
Scientists can compare its predictions with exoplanet atmospheres observed by telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope.
A close match would suggest a planet may lack life as we know it, while a mismatch could mean life is changing its atmosphere, but would not prove life is present.
The model could help select worlds for follow-up study by future telescopes, including NASA’s planned Habitable Worlds Observatory.
A computer model simulates how a rocky planet could evolve without life, helping researchers assess whether exoplanet atmospheres might have non-biological explanations.
Planetary scientist Samantha Gilbert-Janizek of the University of California, Riverside, developed the model.
It builds on an earlier model of a planet’s core, mantle and crust by also including its surface and atmosphere.
The model simulates 19 non-biological properties and was used to simulate Earth from its formation to 500 million years in the future.
Researchers can compare its results with observations to identify planets that may merit follow-up studies for signs of life.
- Who
- Samantha Gilbert-Janizek of the University of California, Riverside, developed the model.
- What
- A computer model simulates rocky planets without life to help assess whether atmospheric observations could have non-biological explanations.
- When
- The simulation covers Earth’s development from 4.5 billion years ago to 500 million years in the future. The article was published on 2026-11-08.
- Where
- The model uses Earth as a starting point and is intended to help study exoplanets.
- Why
- Atmospheric gases can be produced by both biology and geology, making it difficult to identify life from atmospheric observations alone.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The simulation begins with Earth’s birth.
The simulation ends, depicting Earth without life but with oceans and an atmosphere.
- Model developer
- Samantha Gilbert-Janizek, University of California, Riverside
- Properties simulated
- 19 non-biological properties of a rocky planet
- Simulation span
- From Earth’s birth 4.5 billion years ago to 500 million years into the future
- Earth-like result
- A lifeless world with oceans and an atmosphere
- Potential comparisons
- Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and future telescopes
What people are saying
The model can help us see how habitable but non-living planets might mimic living planets
When we interpret observations of an exoplanet’s atmosphere, this tool will help us determine the probability that what we observe indicates life on the surface
Dr Gilbert-Janizek’s work represents an exciting step toward understanding where life can exist in the universe
That calibration gives us confidence that future simulations of exoplanets will be accurate