Purple planets could be hiding extraterrestrial life.
Purple planets could answer extraterrestrial questions
Scientists are convinced that planets which are home to other lifeforms give off a purple hue as a result of the bacteria associated with organisms.
Researchers at Cornell University say that purple bacteria - which are found in some "niches" on Earth - are able to survive in a wide variety of conditions.
The study's co-author Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger said: "We are just opening our eyes to these fascinating worlds around us. Purple bacteria can survive and thrive under such a variety of conditions that it is easy to imagine that on many different worlds, purple may just be the new green."
The expert has called for a database for signs of life so any potential discoveries are not overlooked by boffins.