The search for life on other planets has taken a new turn: a team of scientists has discovered a way to measure the temperature of an exoplanet, using a molecule found in the planet’s atmosphere. The discovery, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, could be a major breakthrough in the search for life beyond our solar system.

The team, led by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, used a molecule known as acetylene to measure the temperature of the exoplanet WASP-31b. Acetylene is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, and is found in the atmosphere of many planets. By measuring the amount of acetylene in the atmosphere of WASP-31b, the team was able to determine the planet’s temperature.

This is an incredible discovery that could revolutionize the way we search for life on other planets. By measuring the temperature of an exoplanet, scientists can gain a better understanding of the planet’s atmosphere, and can potentially discover signs of life. This discovery opens up a whole new avenue of exploration when it comes to finding life beyond our solar system.

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source: Phys.org