Cloudy With A Chance Of Aliens: How We Look for Extraterrestrial Life

The video discusses the detection of water vapor in the atmospheres of exoplanets, specifically hot Jupiters, using spectrographs to analyze light absorption lines. It highlights the potential of future telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope to study terrestrial planets for signs of life, focusing on water and oxygen as key indicators. The video also explains the importance of oxygen in supporting aerobic metabolism, which is more energy-efficient than anaerobic processes.

What elements are scientists looking for in the atmospheres of terrestrial planets to indicate the possibility of life?

How does aerobic metabolism differ from anaerobic metabolism in terms of energy extraction?