In 1995 scientists found a planet orbiting a star like the Sun outside our solar system. That discovery opened a new field, and it later helped lead to part of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics. Since then researchers have found more than 4,000 exoplanets.
Some exoplanets are Earth-like and might have the potential to host life. Astronomers look for biosignatures, which are chemical signs or patterns that suggest simple life. They also look for technosignatures, which are signs that an advanced civilization built technology or large structures.
A NASA grant now enables astrophysicist Adam Frank to search for technosignatures on exoplanets. He studies what technological traces might look like and how they could be seen far away. Scientists are developing methods, but it is not yet clear which approach will succeed first. A video of Adam Frank used material from the University of Rochester and appeared on Futurity.
Difficult words
- discover — to find something new or not known before.discovered
- exist — to be real or alive.
- research — the study of a subject to find new information.
- technology — tools or methods used to solve problems.
- scientists — people who study science and make discoveries.
- answers — solutions to questions or problems.
- planets — large objects that move around a star.
- intelligent — able to think and understand well.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think people are interested in aliens?
- How can studying exoplanets help us?
- What do you think intelligent life might be like?
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