Subscribe now

Space

What we know about the stars where NASA will hunt for alien life

Scientists have analysed the stars that an upcoming NASA telescope will target in its search for biosignatures, narrowing down the candidates for those that could host potential extraterrestrial life

By Jonathan O’Callaghan

31 January 2024

Could a nearby super Earth host life?

Steven Hobbs/Stocktrek Images/Alamy

To prepare for one of the most advanced searches for life on other planets, astronomers have examined the stars that a new multibillion-dollar telescope might target. They discovered some may be better suited than others to hunt for potential alien life.

In the 2040s, NASA plans to launch the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), a successor to the James Webb Space Telescope. Its primary goal is to image 25 Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of sun-like stars – where water, or even life, could exist. Before construction on the…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account