[CraigS]

Originally Posted by Robh

Obviously, only recent technology (e.g. advances in interferometry) has permitted the hunt for smaller planets. And as advances continue, it may be possible that signatures of specific atmospheric molecules may be detected.

Hi Rob;

I can't find it .. but I made a post somewhere in the past about the notorious 'Mike Brown' (of Caltech .. of Pluto demotion infamy, etc), who has been working on remote detection of atmospheres of some of our own planetary moons (it may have been Titan ???). They were able to infer surface temperatures and a whole bunch of other interesting parameters.
But this doesn't alter the overall points I've made in this thread about detecting life.
Whilst such technologies increase our technology base and theoretical modelling, being able to verify exo-life likelihood predictions, will take us quantum leaps further in knowledge.

The issue is about prioritisation and the way we think about these options is critical. At present, we are confronted with serious curtailment of planetary exploration missions.

Originally Posted by Robh

However, I think we should not get ahead of ourselves. The detection of an Earth-like planet, although lending some credibility to the speculation that life might exist out there, says nothing about whether life actually does exist there. Until, one biological organism is found somewhere else, or at least the signature of its existence, then it remains what it is - pure speculation. Evidence of life on a local planet would certainly give more credibility to the exo-life concept but then there is the possibility of local "contamination". Maybe, life only exists in our own solar system.

The only way to confirm this .. is to find it onsite … and if we do, then the relationships between its presence and the HZ in which it was found, becomes more than conjecture. Detection technologies can then be verified.

Originally Posted by Robh

We will need to make some extra-ordinary leaps in physics to migrate somewhere else and it seems man's intellect may fall-short at this important crossroad in our evolution.

I whole-heartedly agree. The breakthrough I'm suggesting is needed in this area however, is being severely inhibited.

Cheers