James Webb Space Telescope and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

What is the primary goal of the James Webb Space Telescope in relation to exoplanets?

• To capture high-resolution images of exoplanets

• To study the chemical makeup of exoplanet atmospheres

• To detect gravitational waves from exoplanets

• To measure the distance of exoplanets from Earth

How do scientists plan to identify biosignatures on exoplanets?

• By measuring the planet's magnetic field

• By analyzing the light that interacts with the planet's atmosphere

• By observing the planet's rotation speed

• By detecting radio signals from the planet

What makes the James Webb Space Telescope more advanced than the Hubble Space Telescope?

• Its faster data processing speed

• Its capability to communicate with extraterrestrial life

• Its larger mirror and ability to detect a wider range of light

• Its ability to travel to distant galaxies

Why is water considered a key indicator of potential life on exoplanets?

• Because water is easy to detect with telescopes

• Because water is a sign of advanced civilizations

• Because all known life on Earth requires water

• Because water is the most abundant molecule in the universe

What is atmospheric chemical disequilibrium, and why is it important?

• A situation where a planet's atmosphere is composed entirely of hydrogen

• A condition where atmospheric gases are not in their natural state, indicating potential biological activity

• A state where a planet's atmosphere is in perfect balance

• A phenomenon where a planet's atmosphere changes color

What is the significance of the exoplanet WASP-39b in the study of exoplanetary atmospheres?

• It has a similar atmosphere to Earth

• It is the first exoplanet discovered by the James Webb Telescope

• It has a strong carbon dioxide signal, indicating enrichment with heavier elements

• It is the closest exoplanet to Earth

What is the main limitation of the James Webb Space Telescope in detecting life?

• It cannot operate in low-light conditions

• It cannot detect unbonded oxygen, a key biosignature

• It cannot analyze gaseous planets

• It cannot observe planets outside our solar system

What is the role of infrared light in the James Webb Space Telescope's investigations?

• To measure the temperature of stars

• To detect gravitational waves

• To capture images of black holes

• To study the chemical composition of distant planets

Why is the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e of particular interest to scientists?

• It is the first exoplanet with a confirmed ocean

• It has the highest number of moons

• It is believed to be habitable and is relatively close to Earth

• It is the largest exoplanet discovered

What is the ultimate goal of the James Webb Space Telescope in the search for extraterrestrial life?

• To colonize discovered exoplanets

• To establish communication with extraterrestrial beings

• To map out potential habitable zones and provide a roadmap for future exploration

• To confirm the existence of intelligent alien civilizations