Scientists compile list of potential gases to guide search for life on exoplanets
Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 15:50
in Astronomy & Space
A new approach intended to maximize the chances of identifying planets orbiting nearby stars that support life focuses on creating a comprehensive list of the molecules that might be present in the atmospheres of these exoplanets. Biosignature gases emitted by exoplanetary life forms could be detected remotely by space telescopes, but these gases might have quite different compositions from those in Earth's atmosphere, according to an article in Astrobiology. The article is available free for download on the Astrobiology website until June 5, 2016.