Scientists have made a significant discovery that could hint at the possibility of life beyond our solar system. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, they detected two gases in the atmosphere of an exoplanet named K2-18 b. These gases, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), are typically produced by living organisms on Earth, particularly algae.
K2-18 b is located about 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo. It is much larger than Earth, being 8.6 times more massive and 2.6 times its diameter. This planet orbits in what is known as the "habitable zone," where conditions might allow liquid water to exist—an essential ingredient for life.
Nikku Madhusudhan, a researcher from the University of Cambridge, described this moment as a key point in the search for extraterrestrial life. However, he emphasized that this finding does not confirm the existence of life but indicates a biological process might be occurring on K2-18 b.
Earlier observations from the James Webb Space Telescope had already identified methane and carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere, marking the first time carbon-based molecules were found on an exoplanet in the habitable zone. Madhusudhan noted that the current data suggests K2-18 b could be a "hycean world," potentially rich in life.
While the discovery is exciting, some scientists urge caution. Christopher Glein, a principal scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, acknowledged the intriguing nature of the data but stressed the importance of thorough testing and independent analysis to confirm the findings.
As researchers continue to explore K2-18 b, this discovery opens new doors in our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.
