JWST could spot greenhouse gases emitted by extraterrestrial civilizations

  • Scientists identify five artificial greenhouse gases that could indicate alien terraforming
  • Existing telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), may be able to detect these gases in exoplanets’ atmospheres
  • Presence of these gases on an alien planet would signal advanced civilization’s intentional climate modification efforts

Scientists have identified five artificial greenhouse gases that, if abundant enough, can be detected in exoplanets’ atmospheres using existing technology like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These gases, including fluorinated versions of methane and ethane, are potent heat-trapping substances emitted by human industrial processes. If found on an alien planet, their presence would indicate advanced civilizations attempting to terraform their world. The JWST could identify these gases in the atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1f, a potentially habitable exoplanet, and similar gases could be detected by other space-based telescopes.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the potential detection of technosignatures on exoplanets using existing technology like the James Webb Space Telescope. It discusses the identification of artificial greenhouse gases that could indicate the presence of advanced civilizations and their terraforming efforts. The article also mentions a specific example of TRAPPIST-1f and explains how these gases can be detected by telescopes. While it includes some speculative elements, it is based on scientific research and presents the information in an informative manner.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides interesting information about the potential detection of technosignatures on exoplanets and the possibility of identifying signs of advanced civilizations through the presence of certain greenhouse gases. However, it contains some speculative elements and does not delve too deeply into the consequences or implications of such discoveries.
Private Companies: University of California, Riverside,ETH Zürich
Key People: Edward Schwieterman (study lead author, University of California, Riverside), Paul Sutter (astrophysicist at SUNY Stony Brook and Space.com contributor), Daniel Angerhausen (study co-author, ETH Zürich)

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the potential detection of greenhouse gases on exoplanets and their possible use for terraforming by advanced alien civilizations. It does not directly pertain to financial topics or impact financial markets or companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.space.com