Hi there Filipe,

thank you for opening this discussion! In terms of methodology of empirical astrobiological research, remote sensing such as from space probes certainly constitutes a key way of probing into the possibility of life on other planets. As such, it is already used widely in our own solar system. You may also count the spectral analyses conducted for exoplanets among this tool box. However, since you use the term "altitude", I am not sure, whether your question perhaps (also) pertains to the possibility of potential forms of life to actually live in the (middle to higher) atmospheres of planets other than Earth. As you know, this has been quite fiercely debated for the case of the cloud decks of Venus. PH3 detected there last fall now appears - according to latest research - not to be a signature of aerial microbes. However, attention is now turning to Jupiter, certain sections (altitudes) of whose atmosphere seem to be within the range deemed favourable for airborne micororganisms in regard to water content and temperature. So, watch this space :-)

All the best & looking forward to further contributions to this debate,

Julius

Dear friend, Professor Filipe Wiltgen!

Thank you very much for your interesting question!

Biosignatures can not only help determine the presence of animals but must be used in these and other studies. My opinion is based on the conviction that a comprehensive study of the problem involves the attraction and use of various ways, forms, means, methods of activity, which mutually complement, help and cross-check each other. And in this specific issue, in order to achieve goals, you need to cling to any, even the smallest or seemingly incredible opportunity to come to success. The main thing is to believe and act!

Best wishes only!

With deep respect, Vоlоdymyr Naumchuk

Interesting

Hi Julius Riese , thank you! Wiltgen

Dear friend Prof. Volodymyr Naumchuk

As always, thank you for participating in debate.

My deep respect and best wishes,

Wiltgen

Ahasan Ullah Khan , thank you!

Dear Filipe Wiltgen,

If in our solar system, like the assertion of graphene in the Venusian atmosphere, then it's interesting in that discoveries could be made within present lifetimes. But in other stellar systems and planets, although interesting, it may take millennia to do anything with the information.

Forrest Noble , thank you.

Yes, certain biosignatures, i.e. traces, fossilized prints of e.g. bacteria or organic compounds produced by living organisms have already been detected on the surface of Mars and in the atmosphere of Venus. They are not 100 percent yet. confirmed test results, but a high level of past and / or present probability of certain simple life forms is assumed. Certain data sent by research probes and / or the analysis of photos from supertelescopes show that in the next several or several years with a high level of probability, certain biosignatures may also be discovered on some other planets and their moons in the Solar System. Of course, there may be a high risk of making a mistake in the diagnosis of biosignatures informing about the possibility of certain, simple forms of life on a given planet. It may happen that the detected biosignatures on a given planet do not necessarily mean that the planet under investigation has or has had in the past life in the form of certain more or less organized life forms. It cannot be ruled out that the biosignatures detected on the planet or its moon come from other space objects. They can come from space objects, exoplanets found in other constellations, and they arrived in our solar system in a comet or a meteorite from outside our solar system.

Greetings,

Dariusz Prokopowicz

Yes, they are option, but there are other options.

Thank you Dariusz and Mohammad.

: ) Thanks!

Thank you all!