Network and Kinetics-based Biosignatures: Implications for the Putative Habitable World Observatory Design

TL;DR

This paper discusses how network theory and thermochemical kinetics can improve the detection of biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres, aiding the design of the Habitable Worlds Observatory to reduce false positives and negatives.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining systems science with observational strategies to enhance biosignature detection in exoplanet research.

Findings

Network-based biosignatures can distinguish biological signals from false positives.

Thermochemical kinetics models improve interpretation of atmospheric data.

Methodology informs technical specifications for future observatory instruments.

Abstract

The proposed Habitable Worlds Observatory is intended to observe the atmospheres of nearby terrestrial exoplanets with a resolution greater than that of any previous instrument. While these observations present a substantial opportunity for astrobiology, they also incur the risk of false positives and false negatives. Here, we explore the use of systems science (in the form of network theory and thermochemical kinetics) to mitigate these risks, and briefly describe the technical specifications HWO would require in order to use these methodologies.