Scientists have recently found a primordial solar system that appears to have an abnormally amount of Carbon, the element at the base of life on Earth, present. This is fascinating because we may be seeing something similar to what happened in our solar system many billions of years ago.

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060608092215.htm

 

-- Ryan Jones

Is it not also theoretically possible that silicon based life exists? Since Carbon and Silicon are atomically similar?

Is it not also theoretically possible that silicon based life exists? Since Carbon and Silicon are atomically similar?

 

It is theoretically though conditions are a little stricter... I believe lack of water is vital for that. Its also harder for Silicon to form stable longer chains so they would grow a lot slower too.

 

-- Ryan Jones