I was asked: “If life is confirmed there, what would be the next step? Should we try to establish some sort of contact? Generally, do you think it is a good idea to reach out to extraterrestrials once we know where they are?”
I explained that the new paper is based on the JWST detection of the spectral fingerprint of a single molecule, dimethyl sulfide, in the atmosphere of the exoplanet. This molecule is not a reliable biomarker according to another paper, which shows that it is found in the interstellar medium without the presence of life. On Earth, this molecule is produced by microorganisms in the oceans.
Inferences based on the detection of molecular
biomarkers in the atmospheres of exoplanets are indirect. However, as I
suggested in a paper
with my former student, Henry Lin, and Gonzalo Gonzalez, the detection
of molecules associated with industrial pollution, such as CFCs, will be
far more indicative, not only of life but also of the technologies it
developed. I find microbes to be much more boring than intelligent life.
Microbes are probably very abundant, but we can learn much more from a
smarter kid on our cosmic block....<<<Read More>>>...
