Astrophysicists modeling exoplanet atmospheres said soot-like aerosols on distant rocky worlds may mimic prebiotic chemistry seen in industrial pollution on Earth.
Hydrocarbon haze can form when starlight breaks apart methane and other gases in thick atmospheres orbiting cool dwarf stars.
Laboratory experiments heat carbon-rich mixtures to reproduce tarry particles that scatter light and alter surface temperatures.
Spectroscopists hunt these signatures with next-generation observatories hoping to distinguish geological volcanism from biological methane sources.
Authors cautioned that diesel-like smog does not imply industry on exoplanets, because ultraviolet-driven photochemistry alone can generate similar compounds.
The work refines templates scientists use when prioritizing targets for habitability studies.
Planetary scientists at weekend conferences said soot-rich atmospheres might still allow liquid water at the surface if greenhouse blankets trap sufficient heat beneath haze layers.
Mission planners for next-generation observatories will test whether polarimetry can separate biological methane signals from industrial-style hydrocarbon smog around M-dwarf planets.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
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Sources:
https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets