Summary:
- The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) could potentially detect signs of life on "Hycean" exoplanets - a newly proposed class of exoplanets that are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, with deep, hydrogen-rich oceans.
- Hycean worlds are believed to be more common than Earth-like planets, and the JWST's advanced infrared capabilities could allow it to analyze the atmospheric composition of these planets and potentially identify biosignatures like methane and oxygen.
- The study suggests that the JWST may be able to detect signs of microbial life on Hycean worlds within the next 5 years, providing a significant boost to the search for extraterrestrial life in our galaxy.