NASA's James Webb Space Telescope recently detected water molecules in the atmosphere of a planet 120 light-years from Earth. While this planet is a gas giant unsuitable for life as we know it, the discovery demonstrates the telescope's capability to analyze the chemical composition of distant worlds. Scientists hope similar techniques will eventually be applied to rocky planets in habitable zones.
The passage suggests that
life has been discovered on a planet 120 light-years away
the James Webb telescope can only study gas giant planets
rocky planets do not have atmospheres that can be analyzed
the discovery is significant primarily as proof of technological capability
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage emphasizes capability demonstration over the specific finding.
- Context clues: The planet is "unsuitable for life," but the discovery "demonstrates the telescope's capability."
- Meaning: The value lies in proving what the technology can do for future research.
- Verify: Scientists hope to apply these techniques to more promising targets.
💡 Strategy: Identify what the passage emphasizes as important—here, capability over the specific finding.
Choice A is incorrect because the planet is "unsuitable for life." Choice B is incorrect because scientists hope to study "rocky planets." Choice C is incorrect because the goal is to analyze rocky planet atmospheres.