Researchers from the University of Rochester have conducted a study on the relationship between atmospheric oxygen and the potential for advanced technology on distant planets. The study suggests that oxygen is vital for the development of fire, which is a hallmark of technological civilizations. The researchers argue that planets with significant oxygen concentrations are more likely to develop advanced technospheres and leave behind detectable signs of advanced technology. The presence of oxygen in the atmosphere is seen as a bottleneck that determines whether a planet can foster technological civilizations. The research has implications for the search for extraterrestrial life, suggesting that planets with high oxygen levels should be prioritized in the search for technosignatures. The study was partially funded by NASA.
