Finding Twin Earths: Harder Than We Thought!
March 21, 2009
This artist's conception shows a hypothetical twin Earth orbiting a Sun-like star. A new study shows that characterizing a distant Earth's atmosphere will be difficult, even using next-generation technology like the James Webb Space Telescope. If an Earth-like world is nearby, though, then by adding observations of a number of transits, astronomers should be able to detect biomarkers like methane or ozone.
Topics: Environment, Astrometry, Astrological aspects, Astronomy, Technology Internet, Astronomical transit, Exoplanetology, Terrestrial planets, SETI, Entertainment Culture