🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 175 (from laksa197)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa175.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/can-we-find-life/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/can-we-find-life/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/can-we-find-life\/","crawl_time":1776160618,"first_indexed_time":1715085023,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,nasa!science,\/exoplanets\/can-we-find-life\/ s443","src_root_hash":"12871711242003294575","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Can We Find Life? - NASA Science","meta_descriptions":["So far, the only life we know of is right here on planet Earth. But NASA is looking for signs of life in our solar system and on some of the the thousands of planets we've discovered beyond it, on exoplanets. We can probe alien atmospheres for biosignatures, which could indicate life below."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe?\nSo far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking.\nThe big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the\ntelltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere\n, and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth.\nWill we know life when we see it?\nThe\nJames Webb Space Telescope\n, launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could\npick up signs of an atmosphere like our own\n– oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions.\nHow will we find life?\nLife might turn up in our own neighborhood:\nbeneath the Martian surface\n, perhaps, or in the dark,\nsubsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa\n. Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll\neavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations\n. We might even capture evidence of\n\"technosignatures,\"\nor traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can\nread like a bar code\n. This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life.\nthe search for life\nNew Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures'\nA sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature.\nRead 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year'\nCuriosity rover discovery\n‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’\nIn a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater.\nLearn More\nLife as we don't know it\nThey dwell in the caustic chemical pools of\nYellowstone National Park\n, in the\ndry valleys of Antarctica\n, in\nsuperheated vents on the ocean floor\n, and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago.\n\"Extremophiles\"\nare life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds.\nWhere should we look?\nMore than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions.\nNext:\nAll about the habitable zone\nMore: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is\nlooking for life\nin our solar system and beyond.\nFeatured Exoplanet\nK2-18 b\nResearchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life.\nK2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface.\nThe Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton.\nRead ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’\nabout K2-18 b\nHow NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth\nWith its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives.\nRead More\n3 min read\nHubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time\nArticle\n7 years ago\nDo NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project\nJoin the search for extraterrestrial intelligence\nNASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via \"citizen science\" or \"participatory science\" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy.\nGet Involved\nKeep Exploring\nDiscover More Topics From NASA","attrs_markdown":"[![NASA Logo](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa-child\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo@2x.png)](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/)\n\n- Explore\n\n[![NASA Logo](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa-child\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo@2x.png)](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/)\n\n- News & Events\n  - [Recently Published](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/recently-published\/)\n  - [Video Series on NASA+](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/plus\/)\n  - [Podcasts & Audio](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/podcasts-and-audio\/)\n  - [Blogs](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-blogs\/)\n  - [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/newsletters\/)\n  - [Social Media](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/socialmedia\/)\n  - [Media Resources](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/nasa-media-contacts\/)\n- Multimedia\n  - [Images](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/images\/)\n  - [Videos on NASA+](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/plus\/)\n  - [Interactives](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-interactive-features\/)\n  - [NASA Apps](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/apps\/)\n  - [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/podcasts\/)\n  - [e-Books](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/ebooks\/)\n  - [STEM Multimedia](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/search\/?terms=8058%2C8059%2C8061%2C8062%2C8068)\n- [NASA+](https:\/\/plus.nasa.gov\/)\n\n## Suggested Searches\n- [Climate Change](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=Climate%20Change)\n- [Artemis](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=Artemis)\n- [Expedition 64](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=Expedition%2064)\n- [Mars perseverance](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=Mars%20perseverance)\n- [SpaceX Crew-2](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=SpaceX%20Crew-2)\n- [International Space Station](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/?search=International%20Space%20Station)\n- [View All Topics A-Z](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/a-to-z-topics-listing\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Missions](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/nasa-missions\/)\n- [Humans in Space](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/)\n- [The Solar System](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/)\n- [The Universe](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/)\n- [Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Aeronautics](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/)\n- [Learning Resources](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/)\n- [About NASA](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/about\/)\n- [Español](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/es\/)\n- [News & Events](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/can-we-find-life\/)\n- [Multimedia](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/can-we-find-life\/)\n- [NASA+](https:\/\/plus.nasa.gov\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Hubble Spies an Active Spiral](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/galaxies\/spiral\/Hubble_IC486.jpg?w=1024)3 min read Hubble Spies an Active Spiral article 21 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-spies-an-active-spiral\/)\n\n[![Earthset From the Lunar Far Side](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024)2 min read Earthset From the Lunar Far Side article 4 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/)\n\n[![NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Mission Overview ](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jsc2026e014313.jpg?w=1024)4 min read NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Mission Overview article 1 week ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/station\/nasas-northrop-grumman-crs-24-mission-overview\/)\n\nBack\n***\n\n[Missions](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/nasa-missions\/)\n\n- [Search All NASA Missions](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/)\n- [A to Z List of Missions](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/a-to-z-of-nasa-missions\/)\n- [Upcoming Launches and Landings](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/events\/)\n- [Spaceships and Rockets](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/spaceships-and-rockets\/)\n- [Communicating with Missions](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/communicating-with-missions\/)\n- [Artemis](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/artemis\/)\n- [James Webb Space Telescope](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/)\n- [Hubble Space Telescope](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/)\n- [International Space Station](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/international-space-station\/)\n- [OSIRIS-REx](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/osiris-rex\/)\n\n[Humans in Space](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/)\n\n- [Why Go to Space](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/why-go-to-space\/)\n- [Astronauts](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/)\n- [Commercial Space](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/commercial-space\/)\n- [Destinations](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/destinations\/)\n- [Spaceships and Rockets](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/spaceships-and-rockets\/)\n- [Living in Space](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/living-in-space\/)\n\n[Earth](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/)\n\n- [Explore Earth Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/explore\/)\n- [Climate Change](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/climate-change\/)\n- [Earth, Our Planet](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/facts\/)\n- [Earth Science in Action](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/in-action\/)\n- [Earth Multimedia](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/multimedia\/)\n- [Earth Data](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/data\/)\n- [Earth Science Researchers](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth-science\/)\n\n[The Solar System](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/)\n\n- [The Sun](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/sun\/)\n- [Mercury](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mercury\/)\n- [Venus](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/venus\/)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/)\n- [The Moon](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/moon\/)\n- [Mars](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mars\/)\n- [Jupiter](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/jupiter\/)\n- [Saturn](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/saturn\/)\n- [Uranus](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/uranus\/)\n- [Neptune](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/neptune\/)\n- [Pluto & Dwarf Planets](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/dwarf-planets\/)\n- [Asteroids, Comets & Meteors](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/asteroids-comets-meteors\/)\n- [The Kuiper Belt](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/kuiper-belt\/)\n- [The Oort Cloud](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/oort-cloud\/)\n- [Skywatching](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/skywatching\/)\n\n[The Universe](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/)\n\n- [Exoplanets](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/)\n- [The Search for Life in the Universe](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/search-for-life\/)\n- [Stars](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/stars\/)\n- [Galaxies](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/galaxies\/)\n- [Black Holes](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/black-holes\/)\n- [The Big Bang](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/the-big-bang\/)\n- [Dark Matter](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/dark-matter\/)\n- [Dark Energy](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/dark-energy\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/)\n\n- [Earth Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth-science\/)\n- [Planetary Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/)\n- [Astrophysics & Space Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/astrophysics\/)\n- [The Sun & Heliophysics](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/heliophysics\/)\n- [Biological & Physical Sciences](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/biological-physical\/)\n- [Lunar Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/lunar-science\/)\n- [Citizen Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/citizen-science\/)\n- [Astromaterials](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/astromaterials\/)\n- [Aeronautics Research](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics-research\/)\n- [Human Space Travel Research](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/human-space-travel-research\/)\n\n[Aeronautics](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/)\n\n- [Science in the Air](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/science-in-the-air\/)\n- [NASA Aircraft](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/aircraft\/)\n- [Flight Innovation](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/flight-innovation\/)\n- [Supersonic Flight](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/supersonic-flight\/)\n- [Air Traffic Solutions](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/air-traffic-solutions\/)\n- [Green Aviation Tech](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/green-aero-tech\/)\n- [Drones & You](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/drones-and-you\/)\n\n[Technology](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/)\n\n- [Technology Transfer & Spinoffs](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology-transfer-spinoffs\/)\n- [Space Travel Technology](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/space-travel-technology\/)\n- [Technology Living in Space](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/space-living-technology\/)\n- [Manufacturing and Materials](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/manufacturing-and-materials\/)\n- [Robotics](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/robotics\/)\n- [Science Instruments](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/science-instruments\/)\n- [Computing](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/computing\/)\n\n[Learning Resources](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/)\n\n- [For Kids and Students](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/for-kids-and-students\/)\n- [For Educators](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/for-educators\/)\n- [For Colleges and Universities](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/colleges-and-universities\/)\n- [For Professionals](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/for-professionals\/)\n- [Science for Everyone](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/for-everyone\/)\n- [Requests for Exhibits, Artifacts, or Speakers](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/requests-for-exhibits-artifacts-or-speakers\/)\n- [STEM Engagement at NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/stem-engagement-at-nasa\/)\n\n[About NASA](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/about\/)\n\n- [NASA's Impacts](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-impacts\/)\n- [Centers and Facilities](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-centers-and-facilities\/)\n- [Directorates](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-directorates\/)\n- [Organizations](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-organization\/)\n- [People of NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people-of-nasa\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/careers\/)\n- [Internships](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/nasa-internship-programs\/)\n- [Our History](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/)\n- [Doing Business with NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/doing-business-with-nasa\/)\n- [Get Involved](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/get-involved\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/contact-nasa\/)\n\n[NASA en Español](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/es\/)\n\n- [Ciencia](https:\/\/ciencia.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Aeronáutica](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/espanol\/aeronautica-en-espanol\/)\n- [Ciencias Terrestres](https:\/\/ciencia.nasa.gov\/tierra)\n- [Sistema Solar](https:\/\/ciencia.nasa.gov\/sistema-solar)\n- [Universo](https:\/\/ciencia.nasa.gov\/universo)\n\n[News & Events](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/news\/)\n\n- [Recently Published](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/recently-published\/)\n- [Video Series on NASA+](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/plus\/)\n- [Podcasts & Audio](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/podcasts-and-audio\/)\n- [Blogs](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-blogs\/)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/newsletters\/)\n- [Social Media](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/socialmedia\/)\n- [Media Resources](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/nasa-media-contacts\/)\n\n[Multimedia](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/multimedia\/)\n\n- [Images](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/images\/)\n- [Videos on NASA+](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/plus\/)\n- [Interactives](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-interactive-features\/)\n- [NASA Apps](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/apps\/)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/podcasts\/)\n- [e-Books](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/ebooks\/)\n- [STEM Multimedia](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/search\/?terms=8058%2C8059%2C8061%2C8062%2C8068)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Hubble Spies an Active Spiral](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/galaxies\/spiral\/Hubble_IC486.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Spies an Active Spiral article 21 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-spies-an-active-spiral\/)\n\n[![Earthset From the Lunar Far Side](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read Earthset From the Lunar Far Side article 4 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/)\n\n[![NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Mission Overview ](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jsc2026e014313.jpg?w=1024) 4 min read NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Mission Overview article 1 week ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/station\/nasas-northrop-grumman-crs-24-mission-overview\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![NASA Answers Your Most Pressing Artemis II Questions](https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/art002e008486\/art002e008486~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1440&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) 12 min read NASA Answers Your Most Pressing Artemis II Questions article 1 week ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/nasa-answers-your-most-pressing-artemis-ii-questions\/)\n\n[![Artemis II Podcast Series](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a2-cu-horizontal-hero-16-9.png?w=1024) 1 min read Artemis II Podcast Series article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/artemispodcast\/)\n\n[![NASA Releases Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Countdown](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/countdown.jpg?w=1024) 7 min read NASA Releases Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Countdown article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-releases-artemis-ii-moon-mission-launch-countdown\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Super Typhoon Sinlaku](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/super-typhoon-sinlaku\/typhoonsinlaku_vir_20260413_th.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Super Typhoon Sinlaku article 5 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/super-typhoon-sinlaku\/)\n\n[![NASA Night-light Imagery Tracks US Energy Transition, Global Volatility](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/articles\/2026\/naturecover_latlon_original.tif?w=1024) 4 min read NASA Night-light Imagery Tracks US Energy Transition, Global Volatility article 19 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/human-dimensions\/earth-at-night\/nasa-night-light-imagery-tracks-us-energy-transition-global-volatility\/)\n\n[![Earthset From the Lunar Far Side](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read Earthset From the Lunar Far Side article 4 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024) 1 min read Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25 article 14 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/researchers\/solicitations\/roses-2025\/amendment-51-c-6-development-and-advancement-of-lunar-instrumentation-not-solicited-in-roses-25\/)\n\n[![Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/dsc-3710.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success article 6 days ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/artemis-campaign-development-division\/human-landing-system-program\/twin-nasa-control-rooms-support-artemis-safety-success\/)\n\n[![A Volcanic Medley Near Mammoth Lakes ](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-volcanic-medley-near-mammoth-lakes-\/mammothlakes_oli2_20260329_th.jpg?w=1024) 4 min read A Volcanic Medley Near Mammoth Lakes article 6 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-volcanic-medley-near-mammoth-lakes\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Hubble Spies an Active Spiral](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/galaxies\/spiral\/Hubble_IC486.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Spies an Active Spiral article 21 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-spies-an-active-spiral\/)\n\n[![NASA Webb, Hubble Share Most Comprehensive View of Saturn to Date](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/03\/STScI-01KJTMDAZWZ2WCK5QF477J3279.jpg?w=1024) 6 min read NASA Webb, Hubble Share Most Comprehensive View of Saturn to Date article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/webb\/nasa-webb-hubble-share-most-comprehensive-view-of-saturn-to-date\/)\n\n[![NASA-JAXA’s XRISM Telescope Clocks Hot Wind of Galaxy M82](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/xrism\/News\/2026\/m82\/M82%20with%20Inset%20mkVI%20Fix.jpg?w=1024) 5 min read NASA-JAXA’s XRISM Telescope Clocks Hot Wind of Galaxy M82 article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/xrism\/nasa-jaxas-xrism-telescope-clocks-hot-wind-of-galaxy-m82\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024) 1 min read Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25 article 14 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/researchers\/solicitations\/roses-2025\/amendment-51-c-6-development-and-advancement-of-lunar-instrumentation-not-solicited-in-roses-25\/)\n\n[![Hubble Spies an Active Spiral](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/galaxies\/spiral\/Hubble_IC486.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Spies an Active Spiral article 21 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-spies-an-active-spiral\/)\n\n[![Snow in the Shadow of the Andes](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes\/patagoniasnow_tmo_20260403_th.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read Snow in the Shadow of the Andes article 5 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![NASA Selects Finalists in Student Aircraft Maintenance Competition](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/afrc2018-0287-158.jpg?w=1024) 4 min read NASA Selects Finalists in Student Aircraft Maintenance Competition article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/nasa-selects-finalists-in-student-aircraft-maintenance-competition\/)\n\n[![NASA’s X-59 Experimental Supersonic Aircraft Makes Second Flight ](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/x-592ndflight.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read NASA’s X-59 Experimental Supersonic Aircraft Makes Second Flight article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/quesst\/nasas-x-59-experimental-supersonic-aircraft-makes-second-flight\/)\n\n[![NASA Simulations Improve Artemis II Launch Environment](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/sls-artemis-sim-frame-copy.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read NASA Simulations Improve Artemis II Launch Environment article 4 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/artemis-sls-launch-sim\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/earthset-from-the-lunar-far-side\/earthset_55192132107_00dc598014_o.jpg?w=1024) 1 min read Amendment 51: C.6 Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation Not Solicited in ROSES-25 article 14 hours ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/researchers\/solicitations\/roses-2025\/amendment-51-c-6-development-and-advancement-of-lunar-instrumentation-not-solicited-in-roses-25\/)\n\n[![Snow in the Shadow of the Andes](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes\/patagoniasnow_tmo_20260403_th.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read Snow in the Shadow of the Andes article 5 days ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes\/)\n\n[![Fires Tear Through Nebraska Grasslands](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/fires-tear-through-nebraska-grasslands\/nebraskafire_vir2_20260329_th.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Fires Tear Through Nebraska Grasslands article 2 weeks ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/fires-tear-through-nebraska-grasslands\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/artemis-base-camp-3-2.png?w=1024) 1 min read Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon article 5 months ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/join-artemis\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/dsc-3710.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success article 6 days ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/artemis-campaign-development-division\/human-landing-system-program\/twin-nasa-control-rooms-support-artemis-safety-success\/)\n\n[![Meet NASA’s New Artemis II Science Officers](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/ares\/jsc2026e006229.jpg?w=1024) 5 min read Meet NASA’s New Artemis II Science Officers article 2 weeks ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/artemis\/meet-nasas-new-artemis-ii-science-officers\/)\n\n[![NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture ](https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/iss074e0325229\/iss074e0325229~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) 4 min read NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture article 1 month ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/nasa-strengthens-artemis-adds-mission-refines-overall-architecture\/)\n\n### Highlights\n[![La NASA anuncia la cobertura de la misión lunar Artemis II](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a2crew-7ff19d.jpg?w=1024) 11 min read La NASA anuncia la cobertura de la misión lunar Artemis II article 3 weeks ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/es\/la-nasa-anuncia-la-cobertura-de-la-mision-lunar-artemis-ii\/)\n\n[![Agenda diaria de la misión a la Luna de Artemis II de la NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/suit-patch.jpg?w=1024) 15 min read Agenda diaria de la misión a la Luna de Artemis II de la NASA article 1 month ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/es\/agenda-diaria-de-la-mision-a-la-luna-de-artemis-ii-de-la-nasa\/)\n\n[![La NASA refuerza Artemis: añade una misión y perfecciona su arquitectura general](https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/iss074e0325229\/iss074e0325229~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) 6 min read La NASA refuerza Artemis: añade una misión y perfecciona su arquitectura general article 1 month ago](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/la-nasa-refuerza-artemis-anade-una-mision-y-perfecciona-su-arquitectura-general\/)\n\nExplore This Section\n\n1. […](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/)\n2. [Exoplanets](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/)\n3. Can We Find Life?\n\n- [Exoplanets Home](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/)\n- Overview\n  - [Exoplanet Facts](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/facts\/)\n  - [Types of Exoplanets](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/planet-types\/)\n  - [Stars](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/stars\/)\n  - [What is the Universe](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/what-is-the-universe\/)\n- Search for Life\n  - [The Big Questions](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/big-questions\/)\n  - [Are We Alone?](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/search-for-life\/)\n  - [Can We Find Life?](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/can-we-find-life\/)\n  - [The Habitable Zone](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/habitable-zone\/)\n  - [Why We Search](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/why-we-search\/)\n  - [Target Star Catalog](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/target-star-catalog\/)\n- Discoveries\n  - [Discoveries Dashboard](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/discoveries-dashboard\/)\n  - [How We Find and Characterize](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/how-we-find-and-characterize\/)\n  - [Missions](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/missions\/)\n  - [People](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/people\/)\n  - [Exoplanet Catalog](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/exoplanet-catalog\/)\n- Immersive\n  - [The Exoplaneteers](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/immersive\/the-exoplaneteers\/)\n  - [Exoplanet Travel Bureau](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/immersive\/exoplanet-travel-bureau\/)\n  - [5 Ways to Find a Planet](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/how-we-find-and-characterize\/)\n  - [Strange New Worlds](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/immersive\/strange-new-worlds\/)\n  - [Universe of Monsters](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/immersive\/universe-of-monsters\/)\n  - [Galaxy of Horrors](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/immersive\/galaxy-of-horrors\/)\n  - [‘The Lost Universe’ game](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/multimedia\/online-activities\/the-lost-universe\/)\n- News\n  - [Stories](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/stories)\n  - [Features](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/exoplanet-features\/)\n  - [Blog](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/exoplanets-blog\/)\n- Resources\n  - [Multimedia](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/multimedia\/)\n  - [Glossary](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/glossary\/)\n  - [Eyes on Exoplanets](https:\/\/eyes.nasa.gov\/apps\/exo\/)\n  - [Get Involved](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/citizen-science\/)\n  - [Exoplanet Watch](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/citizen-science\/exoplanet-watch\/exoplanet-watch-overview\/)\n- For Scientists\n  - [Exoplanet Exploration Program](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/astrophysics\/programs\/exep\/)\n  - [NASA Exoplanet Science Institute](https:\/\/nexsci.caltech.edu\/)\n\n# Can We Find Life?\n![](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1804\/download_48.jpeg?w=1200&h=600&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n### Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe?\nSo far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking.\n\nThe big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the [telltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres\/), and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth.\n\n[![artist's concept of Kepler-1649c surface](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1772\/artists_concept_of_Kepler-1649c_surface.jpeg?w=1400&h=788&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1772\/artists_concept_of_Kepler-1649c_surface.jpeg?w=1400&h=788&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nAn artist's concept of what Kepler-1649c could look like from its surface.\n\nNASA\/Ames Research Center\/Daniel Rutter\n## Will we know life when we see it?\nThe [James Webb Space Telescope](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb), launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could [pick up signs of an atmosphere like our own](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres\/) – oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions.\n\n[![artist's concept of the James Webb Space Telescope](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1773\/artists_concept_of_the_James_Webb_Space_Telescope.jpeg?w=768&h=761&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1773\/artists_concept_of_the_James_Webb_Space_Telescope.jpeg?w=768&h=761&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nArtist's rendering of the James Webb Space Telescope.\n\nNASA\n## How will we find life?\nLife might turn up in our own neighborhood: [beneath the Martian surface](https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars-exploration\/missions\/mars2020\/), perhaps, or in the dark, [subsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa](https:\/\/europa.nasa.gov\/europa\/life-ingredients\/). Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll [eavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations](https:\/\/ntrs.nasa.gov\/search.jsp?R=20180001925). We might even capture evidence of [\"technosignatures,\"](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/nasa-is-taking-a-new-look-at-searching-for-life-beyond-earth) or traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can [read like a bar code](https:\/\/jwst.nasa.gov\/content\/science\/origins.html). This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life.\n\nthe search for life\n\n## New Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures'\nA sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature.\n\n[Read 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year'](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year\/)\n\n![NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took this selfie, made up of 62 individual images, on July 23, 2024. A rock nicknamed �Cheyava Falls,� which has features that may bear on the question of whether the Red Planet was long ago home to microscopic life, is to the left of the rover near the center of the image.](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/content\/dam\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/07\/pia26344-perseverance-selfie-at-cheyava.gif?w=5251&h=3729&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nNASA's Perseverance Mars rover alongside the rock nicknamed \"Cheyava Falls,\" in this July 23, 2024, selfie made up of 62 individual images. \"Cheyava Falls,\" which has features that may bear on the question of whether the Red Planet was long ago home to microscopic life, is to the left of the rover near the center of the image. The small hole visible in the rock is where Perseverance collected the \"Sapphire Canyon\" core sample.\n\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech\/MSSS\n\nCuriosity rover discovery\n\n## ‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’\nIn a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blogs\/science-news\/2026\/02\/06\/nasa-study-non-biologic-processes-dont-fully-explain-mars-organics\/)\n\n![The image features a rover with its robotic arm and various instruments visible on a rocky, reddish-brown terrain. In the background is a barren landscape with scattered rocks and hills under a hazy sky. Overlaying the left side of the image is a semi-transparent panel with the title \"Large Organics on Mars\" in bold black letters. Below the title, three molecular chains are displayed, consisting of black spheres representing carbon atoms and white spheres representing hydrogen atoms. Labels indicate \"carbon\" as the black spheres and \"hydrogen\" as the white spheres. A faint circular blur appears in the background of the panel.](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/msl\/NASA-Mars-Hydrocarbons-2025.jpg?w=3840&h=2160&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nThis graphic shows the long-chain organic molecules decane, undecane, and dodecane. These are the largest organic molecules discovered on Mars to date. They were detected in a drilled rock sample called “Cumberland” that was analyzed by the Sample Analysis at Mars lab inside the belly of NASA’s Curiosity rover. The rover, whose selfie is on the right side of the image, has been exploring Gale Crater since 2012. An image of the Cumberland drill hole is faintly visible in the background of the molecule chains.\n\nNASA\/Dan Gallagher\n\n[![Artist's rendering of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, shown as a small metallic gray and silver body with two very long, black solar arrays extending from either side., as it flies over Europa. The moon fills most of the image, with its surface shades or grayish white and light tan, crisscrossed throughout with rust-colored veins. Jupiter is visible in the background at upper left, slightly obscured by Europa, recognizable by its alternating horizontal cloud bands, in shades of orange and gray, against a black backdrop of outer space.](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/05\/europa-clipper-19c754.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/05\/europa-clipper-19c754.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nArtist's rendering of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, heading to Jupiter (rear) and its icy moon Europa (foreground) to begin exploring in 2030.\n\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech\n## Life as we don't know it\nThey dwell in the caustic chemical pools of [Yellowstone National Park](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/yell\/learn\/nature\/life-in-extreme-heat.htm), in the [dry valleys of Antarctica](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/multimedia\/imagegallery\/image_feature_1536.html), in [superheated vents on the ocean floor](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/cassini\/hydrothermal-activity\/), and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago. [\"Extremophiles\"](https:\/\/nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov\/video\/ourworld\/our-world-where-do-we-find-extremophiles) are life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds.\n\n[![](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1775\/photo_of_the_Grand_Prismatic_Spring_in_Yellowstone_National_Park.jpeg?w=960&h=540&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/internal_resources\/1775\/photo_of_the_Grand_Prismatic_Spring_in_Yellowstone_National_Park.jpeg?w=960&h=540&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nGrand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.\n\nNPS\/Jim Peaco\n## Where should we look?\nMore than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions.\n\n**Next: [All about the habitable zone](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/habitable-zone\/)**\n\n**More: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is [looking for life](https:\/\/astrobiology.nasa.gov\/) in our solar system and beyond.**\n\n### Featured Exoplanet\n## K2-18 b\nResearchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life.\n\nK2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface.  \nThe Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton.\n\n[Read ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’ about K2-18 b](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/webb-discovers-methane-carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-of-k2-18-b\/)\n\n![exoplanet K2-18b illustration](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2023\/04\/h\/heic1916a.jpg?w=6000&h=3500&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\nThis artist's concept shows the planet K2-18 b, its host star, and an accompanying planet in this system. K2-18 b is the first super-Earth exoplanet known to host both water and temperatures that could support life. Researchers used archive data from 2016 and 2017 captured by the NASA\/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and found the molecular signature of water vapor, as well as the presence of hydrogen and helium in the planet's atmosphere.\n\nIllustration: NASA, CSA, ESA, J. Olmsted (STScI), Science: N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University)\n\n## More About K2-18 b\n![Illustration of a rocky exoplanet and its star. The star is in the background at the lower left and appears somewhat, but not significantly, smaller in the sky than the planet. It has a bright orange-red glow, and appears to have an active surface. The planet is in the foreground to the upper right of the star. The left quarter of the planet (the side facing the star) is lit, while the rest is in shadow. The planet has hints of a rocky, partly molten surface beneath the haze of a thin atmosphere. The boundary between the day and night sides of the planet is fuzzy.](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/webb-stsci-01hwqz51tykxttfapc9rq0fnje.png?w=1024)\n\n### How NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth\nWith its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives.\n\n[Read More](https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/webb\/2025\/04\/18\/how-nasas-webb-telescope-supports-our-search-for-life-beyond-earth\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/releases\/2019\/09\/STScI-01EVSV7AR5STXZCXMQMR0K7X4V.tiff?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time Article 7 years ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-finds-water-vapor-on-habitable-zone-exoplanet-for-first-time\/)\n\n![Eyes on the Exoplanets banner displaying an hypothetical exoplanet with its moon and a star in the distance,](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/cds\/general\/images\/2024\/02\/exointeractives.png?w=553&h=415&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\n### K2-18 b, In Depth\nFind more details about K2-18 b, see an artist's concept of the planet, and explore a 3D interactive view, in its Exoplanet Catalog entry.\n\n[Explore K2-18 b in the Exoplanet Catalog](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanet-catalog\/k2-18-b\/)\n\n![The artistic concept shows NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft operating in a new mission profile called K2. Using publicly available data, astronomers may have confirmed K2's first discovery of star with more than one planet. Image Credit: NASA Ames\/JPL-Caltech\/T Pyle](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/astro\/exo-explore\/2023\/09\/p\/PIA18904_ip.jpg?w=750&h=600&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\n### Kepler\/K2\nNASA's planet-hunting space telescope that discovered K2-18 b, and most of the other exoplanets we know about — 3,327 confirmed, so far.\n\n[Read More About Kepler\/K2](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/kepler\/)\n\n![Cosmic Concepts: Advantages of Space Telescopes](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/videos\/STScI-01EVSJX7THY051N2B11ZW9SGVX.png?w=1280&h=720&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\n### James Webb Space Telescope\nOne of the main uses of the Webb telescope is to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, to search for the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe.\n\n[Read More About Webb Exoplanet Research](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/other-worlds\/)\n\n![Hubble Space Telescope in orbit](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/servicing-missions\/sm3b\/STScI-01EVSNE6XDR4P3F44VHQRZR02W.png?w=1280&h=720&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)\n\n### Hubble Space Telescope\nLearn about Hubble's exoplanet observations\n\n[Read More About Hubble Exoplanet Research](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/science\/science-highlights\/recognizing-worlds-beyond-our-sun\/)\n\n## Do NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project\n- ### Join the search for extraterrestrial intelligence\n  NASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via \"citizen science\" or \"participatory science\" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy.\n  \n  [Get Involved](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/citizen-science\/summary\/are-we-alone-in-the-universe\/)\n\nKeep Exploring\n\n## Discover More Topics From NASA\n\n[Search for Life ![](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/dusty-universe.png?w=320)](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/search-for-life\/)\n\n[Stars ![](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/may102022-x1pt5flare-171-131-304-jpg.webp?w=1536)](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/stars\/)\n\n[Universe ![](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/ngc5068-1-flat-final.jpg?w=1536)](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/)\n\n[Black Holes ![](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/blackhole-binary-mainsequence-jpg.webp?w=1536)](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/black-holes\/)\n\n![NASA Logo](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa-child\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo@2x.png)\n\n### National Aeronautics and Space Administration\nNASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.\n\n- [About NASA's Mission](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/about\/)\n\n[Join Us](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/get-involved\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/)\n- [News & Events](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/)\n- [Multimedia](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/multimedia\/)\n- [NASA+](https:\/\/plus.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Missions](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-missions\/)\n- [Humans in Space](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/)\n- [The Solar System](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/)\n- [The Universe](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/)\n- [Science](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Aeronautics](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/)\n- [Learning Resources](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/)\n- [About NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/about\/)\n- [NASA en Español](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/es\/)\n\n### Follow NASA\n- [More NASA Social Accounts](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/social-media\/)\n- [NASA Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-newsletters\/)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/sitemap\/)\n- [For Media](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news\/nasa-media-contacts\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-web-privacy-policy-and-important-notices\/)\n- [FOIA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/foia\/)\n- [No FEAR Act](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/no-fear-act\/)\n- [Office of the IG](http:\/\/oig.nasa.gov\/)\n- [Budget & Annual Reports](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/budgets-plans-and-reports\/)\n- [Agency Financial Reports](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/organizations\/budget-annual-reports\/agency-financial-reports\/)\n- [Contact NASA](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/contact-nasa\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/accessibility\/)\n\n- Page Last Updated:\n  Mar 09, 2026\n- Page Editor:\n  Stephen Carney\n- Responsible NASA Official for Science:\n  Diana Logreira\n\n×\n\nNotifications","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe?\nSo far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking.\n\nThe big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the [telltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres\/), and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth.\n\n## Will we know life when we see it?\nThe [James Webb Space Telescope](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb), launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could [pick up signs of an atmosphere like our own](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres\/) – oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions.\n\n## How will we find life?\nLife might turn up in our own neighborhood: [beneath the Martian surface](https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars-exploration\/missions\/mars2020\/), perhaps, or in the dark, [subsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa](https:\/\/europa.nasa.gov\/europa\/life-ingredients\/). Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll [eavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations](https:\/\/ntrs.nasa.gov\/search.jsp?R=20180001925). We might even capture evidence of [\"technosignatures,\"](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/nasa-is-taking-a-new-look-at-searching-for-life-beyond-earth) or traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can [read like a bar code](https:\/\/jwst.nasa.gov\/content\/science\/origins.html). This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life.\n\nthe search for life\n\n## New Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures'\nA sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature.\n\n[Read 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year'](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year\/)\n\nCuriosity rover discovery\n\n## ‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’\nIn a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blogs\/science-news\/2026\/02\/06\/nasa-study-non-biologic-processes-dont-fully-explain-mars-organics\/)\n## Life as we don't know it\nThey dwell in the caustic chemical pools of [Yellowstone National Park](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/yell\/learn\/nature\/life-in-extreme-heat.htm), in the [dry valleys of Antarctica](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/multimedia\/imagegallery\/image_feature_1536.html), in [superheated vents on the ocean floor](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/cassini\/hydrothermal-activity\/), and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago. [\"Extremophiles\"](https:\/\/nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov\/video\/ourworld\/our-world-where-do-we-find-extremophiles) are life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds.\n\n## Where should we look?\nMore than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions.\n\n**Next: [All about the habitable zone](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/exoplanets\/habitable-zone\/)**\n\n**More: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is [looking for life](https:\/\/astrobiology.nasa.gov\/) in our solar system and beyond.**\n\nFeatured Exoplanet\n\nK2-18 b\n\nResearchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life.\n\nK2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface.  \nThe Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton.\n\n[Read ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’ about K2-18 b](https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/webb-discovers-methane-carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-of-k2-18-b\/)\n\n![Illustration of a rocky exoplanet and its star. The star is in the background at the lower left and appears somewhat, but not significantly, smaller in the sky than the planet. It has a bright orange-red glow, and appears to have an active surface. The planet is in the foreground to the upper right of the star. The left quarter of the planet (the side facing the star) is lit, while the rest is in shadow. The planet has hints of a rocky, partly molten surface beneath the haze of a thin atmosphere. The boundary between the day and night sides of the planet is fuzzy.](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/webb-stsci-01hwqz51tykxttfapc9rq0fnje.png?w=1024)\n\nHow NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth\n\nWith its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives.\n\n[Read More](https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/webb\/2025\/04\/18\/how-nasas-webb-telescope-supports-our-search-for-life-beyond-earth\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/releases\/2019\/09\/STScI-01EVSV7AR5STXZCXMQMR0K7X4V.tiff?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time Article7 years ago](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/hubble-finds-water-vapor-on-habitable-zone-exoplanet-for-first-time\/)\n\n## Do NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project\n- ### Join the search for extraterrestrial intelligence\n  NASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via \"citizen science\" or \"participatory science\" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy.\n  \n  [Get Involved](https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/citizen-science\/summary\/are-we-alone-in-the-universe\/)\n\nKeep Exploring\n\n## Discover More Topics From NASA","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Can We Find Life? - NASA Science
Meta Description	So far, the only life we know of is right here on planet Earth. But NASA is looking for signs of life in our solar system and on some of the the thousands of planets we've discovered beyond it, on exoplanets. We can probe alien atmospheres for biosignatures, which could indicate life below.
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Boilerpipe Text	Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe? So far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking. The big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the telltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere , and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth. Will we know life when we see it? The James Webb Space Telescope , launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could pick up signs of an atmosphere like our own – oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions. How will we find life? Life might turn up in our own neighborhood: beneath the Martian surface , perhaps, or in the dark, subsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa . Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll eavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations . We might even capture evidence of "technosignatures," or traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can read like a bar code . This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life. the search for life New Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures' A sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Read 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year' Curiosity rover discovery ‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’ In a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater. Learn More Life as we don't know it They dwell in the caustic chemical pools of Yellowstone National Park , in the dry valleys of Antarctica , in superheated vents on the ocean floor , and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago. "Extremophiles" are life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds. Where should we look? More than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions. Next: All about the habitable zone More: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is looking for life in our solar system and beyond. Featured Exoplanet K2-18 b Researchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life. K2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface. The Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton. Read ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’ about K2-18 b How NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth With its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives. Read More 3 min read Hubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time Article 7 years ago Do NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project Join the search for extraterrestrial intelligence NASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via "citizen science" or "participatory science" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy. Get Involved Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
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](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jsc2026e014313.jpg?w=1024) 4 min read NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Mission Overview article 1 week ago](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/nasas-northrop-grumman-crs-24-mission-overview/) ### Highlights [![NASA Answers Your Most Pressing Artemis II Questions](https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/art002e008486/art002e008486~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1440&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) 12 min read NASA Answers Your Most Pressing Artemis II Questions article 1 week ago](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/nasa-answers-your-most-pressing-artemis-ii-questions/) [![Artemis II Podcast Series](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/a2-cu-horizontal-hero-16-9.png?w=1024) 1 min read Artemis II Podcast Series article 3 weeks ago](https://www.nasa.gov/artemispodcast/) [![NASA Releases Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Countdown](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/countdown.jpg?w=1024) 7 min read NASA Releases Artemis II Moon Mission 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days ago](https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes/) ### Highlights [![NASA Selects Finalists in Student Aircraft Maintenance Competition](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/afrc2018-0287-158.jpg?w=1024) 4 min read NASA Selects Finalists in Student Aircraft Maintenance Competition article 3 weeks ago](https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/nasa-selects-finalists-in-student-aircraft-maintenance-competition/) [![NASA’s X-59 Experimental Supersonic Aircraft Makes Second Flight ](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/x-592ndflight.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read NASA’s X-59 Experimental Supersonic Aircraft Makes Second Flight article 3 weeks ago](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/quesst/nasas-x-59-experimental-supersonic-aircraft-makes-second-flight/) [![NASA Simulations Improve Artemis II Launch Environment](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sls-artemis-sim-frame-copy.jpg?w=1024) 2 min read NASA Simulations Improve Artemis II 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ago](https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/snow-in-the-shadow-of-the-andes/) [![Fires Tear Through Nebraska Grasslands](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/esd/eo/images/iotd/2026/fires-tear-through-nebraska-grasslands/nebraskafire_vir2_20260329_th.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Fires Tear Through Nebraska Grasslands article 2 weeks ago](https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/fires-tear-through-nebraska-grasslands/) ### Highlights [![Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/artemis-base-camp-3-2.png?w=1024) 1 min read Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon article 5 months ago](https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/join-artemis/) ### Highlights [![Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dsc-3710.jpg?w=1024) 3 min read Twin NASA Control Rooms Support Artemis Safety, Success article 6 days ago](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/artemis-campaign-development-division/human-landing-system-program/twin-nasa-control-rooms-support-artemis-safety-success/) [![Meet NASA’s New Artemis II Science Officers](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/psd/ares/jsc2026e006229.jpg?w=1024) 5 min read Meet NASA’s New Artemis II Science Officers article 2 weeks ago](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/meet-nasas-new-artemis-ii-science-officers/) [![NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture ](https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/iss074e0325229/iss074e0325229~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) 4 min read NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture article 1 month ago](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/nasa-strengthens-artemis-adds-mission-refines-overall-architecture/) ### Highlights [![La NASA anuncia la cobertura de la misión lunar Artemis 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ago](https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/la-nasa-refuerza-artemis-anade-una-mision-y-perfecciona-su-arquitectura-general/) Explore This Section 1. […](https://science.nasa.gov/) 2. [Exoplanets](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/) 3. Can We Find Life? - [Exoplanets Home](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/) - Overview - [Exoplanet Facts](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/facts/) - [Types of Exoplanets](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/planet-types/) - [Stars](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/stars/) - [What is the Universe](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/what-is-the-universe/) - Search for Life - [The Big Questions](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/big-questions/) - [Are We Alone?](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/search-for-life/) - [Can We Find Life?](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/can-we-find-life/) - [The Habitable Zone](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/habitable-zone/) - [Why We Search](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/why-we-search/) - [Target Star Catalog](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/target-star-catalog/) - Discoveries - [Discoveries Dashboard](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/discoveries-dashboard/) - [How We Find and Characterize](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/how-we-find-and-characterize/) - [Missions](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/missions/) - [People](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/people/) - [Exoplanet Catalog](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/exoplanet-catalog/) - Immersive - [The Exoplaneteers](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/the-exoplaneteers/) - [Exoplanet Travel Bureau](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/exoplanet-travel-bureau/) - [5 Ways to Find a Planet](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/how-we-find-and-characterize/) - [Strange New Worlds](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/strange-new-worlds/) - [Universe of Monsters](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/universe-of-monsters/) - [Galaxy of Horrors](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/galaxy-of-horrors/) - [‘The Lost Universe’ game](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/multimedia/online-activities/the-lost-universe/) - News - [Stories](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/stories) - [Features](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/exoplanet-features/) - [Blog](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/exoplanets-blog/) - Resources - [Multimedia](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/multimedia/) - [Glossary](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/glossary/) - [Eyes on Exoplanets](https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/exo/) - [Get Involved](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/citizen-science/) - [Exoplanet Watch](https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/exoplanet-watch-overview/) - For Scientists - [Exoplanet Exploration Program](https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/exep/) - [NASA Exoplanet Science Institute](https://nexsci.caltech.edu/) # Can We Find Life? ![](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1804/download_48.jpeg?w=1200&h=600&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) ### Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe? So far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking. The big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the [telltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere](https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres/), and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth. [![artist's concept of Kepler-1649c surface](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1772/artists_concept_of_Kepler-1649c_surface.jpeg?w=1400&h=788&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1772/artists_concept_of_Kepler-1649c_surface.jpeg?w=1400&h=788&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) An artist's concept of what Kepler-1649c could look like from its surface. NASA/Ames Research Center/Daniel Rutter ## Will we know life when we see it? The [James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb), launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could [pick up signs of an atmosphere like our own](https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres/) – oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions. [![artist's concept of the James Webb Space Telescope](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1773/artists_concept_of_the_James_Webb_Space_Telescope.jpeg?w=768&h=761&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1773/artists_concept_of_the_James_Webb_Space_Telescope.jpeg?w=768&h=761&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) Artist's rendering of the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA ## How will we find life? Life might turn up in our own neighborhood: [beneath the Martian surface](https://mars.nasa.gov/mars-exploration/missions/mars2020/), perhaps, or in the dark, [subsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa](https://europa.nasa.gov/europa/life-ingredients/). Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll [eavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20180001925). We might even capture evidence of ["technosignatures,"](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-is-taking-a-new-look-at-searching-for-life-beyond-earth) or traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can [read like a bar code](https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/science/origins.html). This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life. the search for life ## New Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures' A sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature. [Read 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year'](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year/) ![NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took this selfie, made up of 62 individual images, on July 23, 2024. A rock nicknamed �Cheyava Falls,� which has features that may bear on the question of whether the Red Planet was long ago home to microscopic life, is to the left of the rover near the center of the image.](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/cds/general/images/2024/07/pia26344-perseverance-selfie-at-cheyava.gif?w=5251&h=3729&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) NASA's Perseverance Mars rover alongside the rock nicknamed "Cheyava Falls," in this July 23, 2024, selfie made up of 62 individual images. "Cheyava Falls," which has features that may bear on the question of whether the Red Planet was long ago home to microscopic life, is to the left of the rover near the center of the image. The small hole visible in the rock is where Perseverance collected the "Sapphire Canyon" core sample. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Curiosity rover discovery ## ‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’ In a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater. [Learn More](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/science-news/2026/02/06/nasa-study-non-biologic-processes-dont-fully-explain-mars-organics/) ![The image features a rover with its robotic arm and various instruments visible on a rocky, reddish-brown terrain. In the background is a barren landscape with scattered rocks and hills under a hazy sky. Overlaying the left side of the image is a semi-transparent panel with the title "Large Organics on Mars" in bold black letters. Below the title, three molecular chains are displayed, consisting of black spheres representing carbon atoms and white spheres representing hydrogen atoms. Labels indicate "carbon" as the black spheres and "hydrogen" as the white spheres. A faint circular blur appears in the background of the panel.](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/msl/NASA-Mars-Hydrocarbons-2025.jpg?w=3840&h=2160&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) This graphic shows the long-chain organic molecules decane, undecane, and dodecane. These are the largest organic molecules discovered on Mars to date. They were detected in a drilled rock sample called “Cumberland” that was analyzed by the Sample Analysis at Mars lab inside the belly of NASA’s Curiosity rover. The rover, whose selfie is on the right side of the image, has been exploring Gale Crater since 2012. An image of the Cumberland drill hole is faintly visible in the background of the molecule chains. NASA/Dan Gallagher [![Artist's rendering of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, shown as a small metallic gray and silver body with two very long, black solar arrays extending from either side., as it flies over Europa. The moon fills most of the image, with its surface shades or grayish white and light tan, crisscrossed throughout with rust-colored veins. Jupiter is visible in the background at upper left, slightly obscured by Europa, recognizable by its alternating horizontal cloud bands, in shades of orange and gray, against a black backdrop of outer space.](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/cds/general/images/2024/05/europa-clipper-19c754.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/cds/general/images/2024/05/europa-clipper-19c754.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) Artist's rendering of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, heading to Jupiter (rear) and its icy moon Europa (foreground) to begin exploring in 2030. NASA/JPL-Caltech ## Life as we don't know it They dwell in the caustic chemical pools of [Yellowstone National Park](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/life-in-extreme-heat.htm), in the [dry valleys of Antarctica](https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1536.html), in [superheated vents on the ocean floor](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/cassini/hydrothermal-activity/), and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago. ["Extremophiles"](https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/video/ourworld/our-world-where-do-we-find-extremophiles) are life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds. [![](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1775/photo_of_the_Grand_Prismatic_Spring_in_Yellowstone_National_Park.jpeg?w=960&h=540&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/internal_resources/1775/photo_of_the_Grand_Prismatic_Spring_in_Yellowstone_National_Park.jpeg?w=960&h=540&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. NPS/Jim Peaco ## Where should we look? More than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions. Next: [All about the habitable zone](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/habitable-zone/) More: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is [looking for life](https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/) in our solar system and beyond.** ### Featured Exoplanet ## K2-18 b Researchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life. K2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface. The Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton. [Read ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’ about K2-18 b](https://www.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/webb-discovers-methane-carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-of-k2-18-b/) ![exoplanet K2-18b illustration](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/cds/general/images/2023/04/h/heic1916a.jpg?w=6000&h=3500&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) This artist's concept shows the planet K2-18 b, its host star, and an accompanying planet in this system. K2-18 b is the first super-Earth exoplanet known to host both water and temperatures that could support life. Researchers used archive data from 2016 and 2017 captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and found the molecular signature of water vapor, as well as the presence of hydrogen and helium in the planet's atmosphere. Illustration: NASA, CSA, ESA, J. Olmsted (STScI), Science: N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University) ## More About K2-18 b ![Illustration of a rocky exoplanet and its star. The star is in the background at the lower left and appears somewhat, but not significantly, smaller in the sky than the planet. It has a bright orange-red glow, and appears to have an active surface. The planet is in the foreground to the upper right of the star. The left quarter of the planet (the side facing the star) is lit, while the rest is in shadow. The planet has hints of a rocky, partly molten surface beneath the haze of a thin atmosphere. The boundary between the day and night sides of the planet is fuzzy.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/webb-stsci-01hwqz51tykxttfapc9rq0fnje.png?w=1024) ### How NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth With its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives. [Read More](https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2025/04/18/how-nasas-webb-telescope-supports-our-search-for-life-beyond-earth/) [![](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/hubble/releases/2019/09/STScI-01EVSV7AR5STXZCXMQMR0K7X4V.tiff?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time Article 7 years ago](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/hubble-finds-water-vapor-on-habitable-zone-exoplanet-for-first-time/) ![Eyes on the Exoplanets banner displaying an hypothetical exoplanet with its moon and a star in the distance,](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/cds/general/images/2024/02/exointeractives.png?w=553&h=415&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) ### K2-18 b, In Depth Find more details about K2-18 b, see an artist's concept of the planet, and explore a 3D interactive view, in its Exoplanet Catalog entry. [Explore K2-18 b in the Exoplanet Catalog](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/k2-18-b/) ![The artistic concept shows NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft operating in a new mission profile called K2. Using publicly available data, astronomers may have confirmed K2's first discovery of star with more than one planet. Image Credit: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T Pyle](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/astro/exo-explore/2023/09/p/PIA18904_ip.jpg?w=750&h=600&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) ### Kepler/K2 NASA's planet-hunting space telescope that discovered K2-18 b, and most of the other exoplanets we know about — 3,327 confirmed, so far. [Read More About Kepler/K2](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/kepler/) ![Cosmic Concepts: Advantages of Space Telescopes](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/hubble/videos/STScI-01EVSJX7THY051N2B11ZW9SGVX.png?w=1280&h=720&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) ### James Webb Space Telescope One of the main uses of the Webb telescope is to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, to search for the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe. [Read More About Webb Exoplanet Research](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/other-worlds/) ![Hubble Space Telescope in orbit](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/hubble/servicing-missions/sm3b/STScI-01EVSNE6XDR4P3F44VHQRZR02W.png?w=1280&h=720&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint) ### Hubble Space Telescope Learn about Hubble's exoplanet observations [Read More About Hubble Exoplanet Research](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/science-highlights/recognizing-worlds-beyond-our-sun/) ## Do NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project - ### Join the search for extraterrestrial intelligence NASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via "citizen science" or "participatory science" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy. 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Readable Markdown	### Fast facts: Are we alone in the universe? So far, the only life we know of is right here on our planet Earth. But we’re looking. The big question – Is there life beyond Earth? – comes with an ironic asterisk: we don't really have a universally accepted definition of life itself. That said, we might not need one. We need only detect the [telltale signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere](https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres/), and we have a better understanding of what those look like here on Earth. ## Will we know life when we see it? The [James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb), launched in 2021, could get the first glimpses: the mix of gases in the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. Webb, or a similar spacecraft in the future, could [pick up signs of an atmosphere like our own](https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/other-skies-other-suns-the-search-for-exoplanet-atmospheres/) – oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane. A strong indication of possible life. Future telescopes might even pick up signs of photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy by plants – or even gases or molecules suggesting the presence of animal life. Intelligent, technological life might create atmospheric pollution, as it does on our planet, also detectable from afar. Of course, the best we might be able to manage is an estimate of probability. Still, an exoplanet with, say, a 95 percent probability of life would be a game changer of historic proportions. ## How will we find life? Life might turn up in our own neighborhood: [beneath the Martian surface](https://mars.nasa.gov/mars-exploration/missions/mars2020/), perhaps, or in the dark, [subsurface oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa](https://europa.nasa.gov/europa/life-ingredients/). Or maybe the dream of the ages will come true, and we'll [eavesdrop on the communications of extraterrestrial civilizations](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20180001925). We might even capture evidence of ["technosignatures,"](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-is-taking-a-new-look-at-searching-for-life-beyond-earth) or traces of technology (think smog). Barring these strokes of luck, however, the job will be much harder. Light will be the key – light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, split up into a rainbow spectrum that we can [read like a bar code](https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/science/origins.html). This method, called transit spectroscopy, would provide a menu of gases and chemicals in the skies of these worlds, including those linked to life. the search for life ## New Report: Perseverance Rock Sample Contains 'Potential Biosignatures' A sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken from a rock named “Cheyava Falls” last year, the sample, called “Sapphire Canyon,” contains potential biosignatures, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature. [Read 'NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year'](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year/) Curiosity rover discovery ## ‘Non-Biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics’ In a new study, researchers say that non-biological sources they considered could not fully account for the abundance of organic compounds in a sample collected on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover. A Feb. 4 report in the journal Astrobiology analyzed the discovery — the largest organic compounds found on Mars, hypothesized to possibly be fragments of fatty acids preserved in the ancient mudstone in Gale Crater. [Learn More](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/science-news/2026/02/06/nasa-study-non-biologic-processes-dont-fully-explain-mars-organics/) ## Life as we don't know it They dwell in the caustic chemical pools of [Yellowstone National Park](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/life-in-extreme-heat.htm), in the [dry valleys of Antarctica](https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1536.html), in [superheated vents on the ocean floor](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/cassini/hydrothermal-activity/), and they belong to branches of life that split from our own billions of years ago. ["Extremophiles"](https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/video/ourworld/our-world-where-do-we-find-extremophiles) are life forms that love extreme environments, thriving in conditions that would kill anything else. They might also be analogs for strange life on distant worlds. ## Where should we look? More than 5,800 exoplanets – planets around other stars – have been confirmed to exist in our galaxy, but likely number in the trillions. One of the best tools scientists have to begin narrowing the search for habitable worlds is a concept known as the “habitable zone.” It’s the orbital distance from a star where temperatures would potentially allow liquid water to form on a planet’s surface. Many other conditions also would be required: a planet of suitable size with a suitable atmosphere, and a stable star not prone to erupting in sterilizing flares. The habitable zone is really just a way to make the first cut, and zero in on the planets with the best chance of possessing habitable conditions. Next: [All about the habitable zone](https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/habitable-zone/) More: How NASA's Astrobiology Program is [looking for life](https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/) in our solar system and beyond. Featured Exoplanet K2-18 b Researchers studying this potential ocean world have found water vapor, carbon-bearing molecules, and — more recently — possible dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is produced by marine life. K2-18 b is a super-Earth exoplanet, nearly nine times the mass of Earth, and is about 124 light-years away. It only takes about 33 days to orbit its star, a red dwarf that’s smaller and cooler than our Sun, but it resides in the “Habitable Zone” — the region around a star neither too hot not too cold, where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface. The Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in K2-18 b’s atmosphere in 2019 — the first time for a habitable-zone exoplanet. And the James Webb Space Telescope has since found carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. Webb telescope observations also revealed the possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, most dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere is emitted by marine phytoplankton. [Read ‘Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b’ about K2-18 b](https://www.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/webb-discovers-methane-carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-of-k2-18-b/) ![Illustration of a rocky exoplanet and its star. The star is in the background at the lower left and appears somewhat, but not significantly, smaller in the sky than the planet. It has a bright orange-red glow, and appears to have an active surface. The planet is in the foreground to the upper right of the star. The left quarter of the planet (the side facing the star) is lit, while the rest is in shadow. The planet has hints of a rocky, partly molten surface beneath the haze of a thin atmosphere. The boundary between the day and night sides of the planet is fuzzy.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/webb-stsci-01hwqz51tykxttfapc9rq0fnje.png?w=1024) How NASA’s Webb Telescope Supports Our Search for Life Beyond Earth With its unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, Webb can study the chemical composition of exoplanet atmospheres, offering clues about habitability and potential biosignatures. But this requires hundreds of hours of observing time for a single planet, follow-up studies, and multiple converging lines of evidence to confirm true biosignatures and rule out false positives. [Read More](https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2025/04/18/how-nasas-webb-telescope-supports-our-search-for-life-beyond-earth/) [![](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/hubble/releases/2019/09/STScI-01EVSV7AR5STXZCXMQMR0K7X4V.tiff?w=1024) 3 min read Hubble Finds Water Vapor on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet for First Time Article7 years ago](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/hubble-finds-water-vapor-on-habitable-zone-exoplanet-for-first-time/) ## Do NASA Science With the Are We Alone in the Universe Project - ### Join the search for extraterrestrial intelligence NASA invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in authentic NASA research via "citizen science" or "participatory science" projects, where volunteers and amateurs have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. As a part of the Are We Alone in the Universe project, you'll help scientists use the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth to search for evidence of civilizations in the galaxy. [Get Involved](https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/summary/are-we-alone-in-the-universe/) Keep Exploring ## Discover More Topics From NASA
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