Additional Coverage:
- Have astronomers found extraterrestrial life on a distant planet? Here’s the discovery (usatoday.com)
Possible signs of life found on distant planet
Scientists have announced a potential groundbreaking discovery: possible signs of life on K2-18b, a planet located 124 light-years from Earth. While not definitive proof of alien civilizations, the discovery of two biologically produced compounds, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), in the planet’s atmosphere is a significant step forward in the search for extraterrestrial life.
K2-18b, slightly smaller than Neptune, orbits a red dwarf star in the constellation Leo. It was first discovered in 2015 by the Kepler space telescope. The planet resides within the habitable zone of its star, suggesting temperatures could be suitable for liquid water.
Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze light passing through K2-18b’s atmosphere. By observing the specific wavelengths of light absorbed, they identified the presence of DMS and DMDS. On Earth, these compounds are produced by microbes in marine algae.
This discovery marks the first time potential biosignatures have been detected on a habitable exoplanet, according to astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan of the University of Cambridge. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.
Some scientists remain skeptical, questioning whether K2-18b can actually support liquid water. Previous studies suggest the planet might not reflect enough light to prevent its oceans, if any exist, from boiling away. The apparent lack of clouds detected by the Webb telescope also raises concerns about surface habitability.
Researchers are planning follow-up observations with the Webb telescope, hoping to gather more data and reach a more definitive conclusion about the presence of life on K2-18b.