Detecting Atmospheric Biosignatures of Transiting Exoplanets in the Mid-IR
Abstract
For the first time in human history, our generation will have the technology needed to answer one of the longest-standing questions: "Are we alone?'' Only recently have planet-hunting programs (such as TRAPPIST, MEarth, and Kepler) confirmed the first Earth analogues orbiting M dwarfs. However, it is unknown whether planets orbiting the most ubiquitous stars in our galaxy can support life. I will discuss the challenges and opportunities of looking for biosignatures in transiting exoplanet atmospheres at mid-infrared wavelengths and argue that the only way to ascertain the truth is to make a measurement. I will also present how a survey of nearby mid-to-late M dwarfs could empirically determine the fraction of habitable-zone planets that develop life.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #231
- Pub Date:
- January 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AAS...23120708S