Breakthrough Telescope Could Spot Alien Life on Exoplanets

The search for extraterrestrial life is set to enter an exciting new phase in the coming decade thanks to the introduction of advanced next-generation telescopes. A recent study published in the Astronomical Journal highlights the fascinating prospects that lie ahead in the hunt for life on exoplanets.

Scientists will utilize Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) to focus on ten rocky exoplanets, with a particular emphasis on detecting bio-signatures such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The presence of these elements can strongly indicate the existence of life on a planet.

This study places a spotlight on ELTs’ potential to unravel the mysteries of two nearby exoplanets: Proxima Centauri b and GJ 887 b. These planets, known as ‘Super-Earths,’ are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.

While the introduction of ELTs holds great promise, experts caution that not every planet is suitable for direct imaging. Simulations play a crucial role in providing an idea of what ELTs can deliver and the potential they hold.

The study assessed the viability of several advanced telescopes, including the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Thirty-Meter Telescope, and the Giant Magellan Telescope, to directly image exoplanets. Direct imaging involves sophisticated techniques to overcome the intense brightness of host stars, including the use of coronagraphs or starshades to block out starlight and capture faint light from exoplanets. However, this approach comes with substantial challenges and requires significant time and effort for successful execution.

Beyond bio-signatures, ELTs can also assist in observing the atmospheres of exoplanets. Instruments like the Mid-Infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) and the High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI) onboard ELTs are equipped to analyze exoplanet atmospheres.

In simulations conducted as part of the study, METIS successfully detected bio-signature gases in the atmosphere and identified them on exoplanets like Proxima b and Wolf 1061c. HARMONI also made similar detections but required longer exposure times. This advancement in technology opens up exciting possibilities for exploring and understanding the potential for life beyond our solar system.