How do we use spectroscopy to search for life?
To identify the materials around stars
that are forming into planets NASA's James Webb Space
Telescope uses a technique called spectroscopy.
Webb captures the infrared light from the star
and breaks it into colors.
By studying the way some of the colors of light
are blocked and filtered by this material
Webb can tell what the dust is made of.
In fact, each atom and molecule has a unique spectroscopic
signature.
Webb can even use spectroscopy to look for water vapor.
Observing its presence both in planetary disks
and in the atmosphere of existing planets.
Astronomers are particularly interested in water
because as a requirement for life
as we know it they want to know which planets have water vapor
and how water is carried to planets.
By examining the birth of solar systems similar to ours
we glimpse the ancient history of our Earth.
But Webb will do more than help us understand
how our planet came to be.
Using spectroscopy it will help us identify
other planets in the galaxy similar to Earth
and begin to determine if there is
life outside our lone planet.