We may be starting to get a grasp on what kick-started life on Earth – and it could help us search for it on other planets

But real lightning would have struck infrequently—and mostly in open ocean, where organic compounds would have quickly dispersed. If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing.

A chemical reaction involving tiny flashes of light in water droplets may have laid the foundation for life on Earth.

Study discovered that tiny electrical sparks, called microlightning, form when water droplets collide. These can create organic molecules.