24. Exoplanet Atmospheres
Astronomers now study exoplanet atmospheres for chemical fingerprints that might indicate life. By analyzing starlight filtered through these distant skies, researchers search for key gases—such as oxygen, methane, and water vapor—that could signal biological processes. The James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing this field, providing unprecedented detail and sensitivity for detecting potential biosignatures. Each promising discovery brings us one step closer to answering the age-old question: are we alone? Learn more from NASA.