Math & science · around 2042
Biosignature on an exoplanet
Projection
Telescopes find robust signs of life in the atmosphere of another world.
Spectra showing gases such as oxygen with methane, out of chemical balance, would be strong evidence for biology. It would answer one of humanity's oldest questions.
Why it’s plausible: JWST can already read some exoplanet atmospheres and dedicated missions for Earth-like planets are being designed; a convincing claim requires ruling out non-biological sources, which may take repeated observation.