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Looking for Life in Light

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the shine-on dept.

Gearoid_Murphy writes "Earth-like planets around distant stars may be too far away to be reached by spacecraft but scientists could still investigate whether they harbour life. Telescope technologies are being developed that will probe the very faint light from these objects for tell-tale signs of biology. These are the same "life markers" known to be present in light reflected off the Earth - so-called "earthshine"."

8 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Earthshine? Pah. by ScentCone · · Score: 5, Funny

    For some real signs of life, try a little moonshine.

    --
    Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
    1. Re:Earthshine? Pah. by slashpot · · Score: 2, Funny

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  2. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  3. Pardon me... by GillBates0 · · Score: 3, Funny
    Pardon me while I illuminate my GIANT blinking "Welcome to Earth" sign.

    If nothing else, it'll show up on the earth shine and indicate we're inhabited. On the other hand, they probably already know that...

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
  4. Earthshine by Mr_Tulip · · Score: 3, Funny

    We may call it 'earthshine', but advanced extraterrestrials probably call it 'signs of parasitic infestation', and warn tourists to stay away in case they catch something.

  5. Why telescopes? by talkingpaperclip · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can't understand why these guys are searching so hard for life in light. There have to be at least a dozen half-dead bugs in the ceiling light about 7 feet away from me.

  6. Greetings Earthlings by Kozar_The_Malignant · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is communication from Commander Znetab of Zygort Interstellar Death Fleet:

    Radio frequency wavefront from your planet is passing through our fleet causing much physical distress. Auditory awfulness of "Wayne Newton" voice recordings we are considering weapon of mass destruction. Is reducing all fleet radio operators to disembodied protoplasmic goo. If not stopping immediately, destruction of your insignificant planet will be accomplished. You have been warned!

    Is ending communication.

    --
    Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.
  7. Re:Seeing the past by AoT · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah, and if we could go back in time we could prove jesus never existed.

    Oh, I come here for the witty conversation.

    --
    A blog about stuff.