News Astronomy

Alien life may be possible even at the Milky Way’s edges

Finding phosphorus far from galaxy’s center expands the galaxy’s habitable zone

An illustration of the Milky Way galaxy.

The Milky Way galaxy (illustrated) isn't hospitable to life at its center. But the discovery of phosphorus in a distant cloud suggests life could emerge in its outer reaches.

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

By Bas den Hond

- More than 2 years ago

The discovery of phosphorus in a cloud at the edge of the Milky Way has extended the region in our galaxy where life might be found.