In detecting alien life on a faraway planet, methane may be the key
It is unlikely that evidence of life beyond Earth will be as spectacular as an alien spaceship landing near the Eiffel Tower. Rather, it is more likely to be detected through telescope observations of a distant planet with atmospheric chemicals that could indicate biological activity. On Monday, researchers suggested that methane may be the first sign of extraterrestrial life if it is found in the atmosphere of a rocky planet in the habitable zone around a sun-like star. Scientists are studying what biosignatures could be present in exoplanets, as more powerful telescopes will soon be available.0
