Astronomers Seek Signs of Terraformed 'Snowball' Earths

Astronomers are exploring the possibility of detecting alien civilizations by looking for technosignatures of artificial greenhouse gases used to terraform or prevent ice ages on distant planets. Using computer models, researchers simulated planetary spectra to identify gases like hexafluoroethane and sulfur hexafluoride, which could be detectable with the James Webb Space Telescope. This approach may offer a better chance of finding terraformed planets than detecting industrial pollution.