... how the heck these could have formed." On Earth, the transformation from relatively low oxygen abundances to the oxygen-rich atmosphere we see today, is marked by the appearance of high concentrations of manganese oxide minerals in our geological...
... be a true indicator of abundant life on the planet. "It is important to know whether and how much dead planets generate atmospheric oxygen, so that we can better recognise when a planet is alive or not," Schwieterman says. "This technique will allow...
..., for example, we would be able to see many signs of life. Sensitive enough technology would detect our oxygen rich atmosphere, green continents, and perhaps even signs of technological civilisation like city lights and industrial pollutants. All...