"Detecting Life on Exoplanets: Spying on Atmospheric Signs"

Researchers from The Ohio State University have examined the potential of upcoming telescopes, such as the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) and the James Webb Space Telescope, to detect biosignatures in the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets. Their study suggests that these advanced telescopes could significantly enhance the search for potential extraterrestrial life by closely scrutinizing the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets for chemical traces of oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water, which are biosignatures also found in Earth's atmosphere. The research also evaluated the effectiveness of specialized imaging instruments and compared the capabilities of ground-based and space telescopes in detecting planetary atmospheres.