Methane, known as a sign of potential life, can now help detect extraterrestrial life on other planets.
Researchers have developed a powerful model to detect life on planets outside of our solar system, more accurately than ever before.
The model focuses on methane, the simplest organic molecule.
“We anticipate that our model will have a big impact on the future study of planets and stars external to our solar system, potentially helping scientists identify signs of extraterrestrial life,” explained Jonathan Tennyson, professor from department of physics and astronomy at University College London (UCL).
Researchers from the UCL and University of New South Wales developed a spectrum for “hot” methane which can be used to detect the molecule at temperatures above that of earth, up to 1,220 degrees Celsius.
