We know that some solar systems in the Universe have planets within them known as the “Goldilocks Zone”, just like Earth. How is it the same technology used to discover these planets is not able to detect if life, especially the intelligent type, also inhabits them?

Question

Scientists are able to observe these planets from vast distances. You would think with technological capability like this that we would also be able to detect if planets in these zones possess life on them. Trying to understand how or why this is the case.

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

To make a really simple explanation:

if you go outside, you can probably see a rock somewhere in the distance, even though it’s pretty far from you. But can you tell if there are ants on it?