Kavli Affiliate: Sara Seager
| First 5 Authors: Sara Seager, Luis Welbanks, Lucas Ellerbroek, William Bains, Janusz J. Petkowski
| Summary:
The search for signs of life in the Universe has entered a new phase with the
advent of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Detecting biosignature gases
via exoplanet atmosphere transmission spectroscopy is in principle within
JWST’s reach. We reflect on JWST’s early results in the context of the
potential search for biological activity on exoplanets. The results confront us
with a complex reality. Established inverse methods to interpret observed
spectra-already known to be highly averaged representations of intricate 3D
atmospheric processes-can lead to disparate interpretations even with JWST’s
quality of data. Characterizing rocky or sub-Neptune-size exoplanets with JWST
is an intricate task, and moves us away from the notion of finding a definitive
"silver bullet" biosignature gas. Indeed, JWST results necessitate us to allow
"parallel interpretations" that will perhaps not be resolved until the next
generation of observatories. Nonetheless, with a handful of habitable-zone
planet atmospheres accessible given the anticipated noise floor, JWST may
continue to contribute to this journey by designating a planet as biosignature
gas candidate. To do this we will need to sufficiently refine our inverse
methods and physical models for confidently quantifying specific gas abundances
and constraining the atmosphere context. Looking ahead, future telescopes and
innovative observational strategies will be essential for the reliable
detection of biosignature gases.
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