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U.S. scientists develop new method to search for life on exoplanets
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-07 02:34:52|Editor: ZX
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Scientists developed a new technique to detect oxygen in exoplanet atmospheres, which may accelerate the search for life.
The study published on Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy described the method for detecting a strong signal that oxygen molecules produce when they collide. This signal could help scientists distinguish between living and nonliving planets.
Oxygen is used as an indication of life because it is generated by life on Earth when organisms such as plants and algae convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Scientists from University of California, Riverside proposed a way of detecting high concentrations of oxygen from nonliving processes, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to be launched in 2021.
More:
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/07/c_138683212.htm