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The Conversation
The Conversation
Brad E Tucker, Astrophysicist/Cosmologist, Australian National University

Signs of life? Why astronomers are excited about carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere of an alien world

NASA / CSA / ESA / J. Olmsted (STScI) / Science: N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University)

Are we alone? This question is nearly as old as humanity itself. Today, this question in astronomy focuses on finding life beyond our planet. Are we, as a species, and as a planet, alone? Or is there life somewhere else?

Usually the question inspires visions of weird, green versions of humans. However, life is more than just us: animals, fish, plants and even bacteria are all the kinds of things we seek signs of in space.

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