NASA says we should search for aliens by looking for their pollution
New research funded by the space agency suggests next-generation telescopes might be able to see the emissions of far-flung smokestacks. Listen - 02:51
In this artist s illustration, the colors of an exoplanet are exaggerated to show industrial pollution, which otherwise isn t visible. NASA/Jay Freidlander
We know the galaxy is home to plenty of potentially habitable exoplanets, but to determine whether anything is actually living on these worlds scientists hope to spot some sign of life, a so-called biosignature or technosignature. New research out of NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland suggests searching for alien pollution as one such indicator.