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 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 Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterestPocketRedditPrint By Bas den Hond June 22, 2023 at 7:00 am 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.