[patwillson22]

I think people underestimate the gains that new technology will have for aiding our ability to see neighboring galaxies and exoplanets. For instance, our interpretation of spectral data is limited by both technological limitations (lasers can only probe certain wavelengths) and also theoretical ones. We also cannot accurately determine what happens in light matter interactions. Thus, the signal to noise ratio is so high that our current instruments have little chance of finding definitive evidence for life. This could change rather quickly though, the james webb telescope is one example, it is equipped with CCD that can "see" light in the infrared spectrum.