You may never look at hairspray the same way again, as it may be how scientists discover intelligent life on other planets.

An article by Charles Q. Choi discusses how in the near future, scientists will be able to detect signs of alien intelligence by studying the atmospheres of distant planets.

Hairspray, air conditioners and many other products used to contain artificial chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).  CFC’s can’t be created naturally in our or other planetary atmospheres.

If CFC’s were detected on far-off worlds, this could be solid evidence that intelligent life is present or was in the past.

According to scientists, we’re about a decade away of having the capability to measure in detail the atmospheres of extrasolar planets.

Read full article: Hairspray may help us find intelligent life on other planets