Lightning-Fueled Prebiotic Chemistry: Revisiting the Miller-Urey Experiment in the Context of Early Earth's Geology and Alternative Origin of Life Theories

The origin of life on Earth remains one of the most intriguing scientific questions. The Miller-Urey experiment, conducted in 1953, demonstrated the synthesis of organic molecules under simulated early Earth conditions, emphasizing the potential role of lightning in prebiotic chemistry. This paper revisits the experiment by exploring the influence of geological and atmospheric conditions on the formation of life in small, localized ponds, rather than vast oceans. Mathematical calculations based on early Earth atmospheric models, lightning frequency, and energy inputs support the hypothesis that small, concentrated environments were more favorable for complex organic synthesis. The study also compares these findings with alternative theories, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and extraterrestrial organic delivery, and discusses future implications for both Earth’s early biosphere and astrobiological exploration.