Exoplanet Atmospheres and the Search for Signs of Life Beyond Earth

Explore groundbreaking research on exoplanet atmospheres and the search for extraterrestrial life in this special seminar presented by MIT's Sara Seager. Delve into the current state of exoplanet research, where thousands of planets orbiting nearby stars have been discovered, with a particular focus on small rocky planets. Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope's revolutionary capabilities in analyzing exoplanet atmospheres through transmission spectroscopy, searching for water vapor and potential biosignature gases. Examine the critical challenges facing scientists, including the interference of stellar variability in atmospheric measurements and the complexities of data interpretation using inverse-problem algorithms. Consider whether these obstacles can be overcome with current technology or if the definitive identification of habitable or inhabited exoplanets must await next-generation direct imaging space telescopes.