Clara Sousa-Silva seeks molecular signatures of life in alien atmospheres
The quantum astrochemist's work offers clues to what distant objects are made of
![Quantum astrochemist Clara Sousa-Silva stands in front of a blackboard, holding a molecular model in her hand.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sousa-silva_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Quantum astrochemist Clara Sousa-Silva puzzles out how molecules interact with light. These interactions leave traces in light that can tell astronomers about the chemical compositions of faraway objects.
Melanie Gonick