Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A groundbreaking discovery by NASA’s James Webb Telescope reveals K2-18 b, a colossal exoplanet, possibly harboring life-like gases.
K2-18 b, located 120 light-years away, is theorized to be a Hycean world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and potential water oceans.
Methane and carbon dioxide dominate the atmosphere, and hints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS)—a gas tied to life—add intrigue.
Advanced spectroscopy from Webb reveals K2-18 b’s chemical makeup, hinting at unique processes.
Lead researcher Nikku Madhusudhan highlights the potential of Hycean worlds, breaking the rocky-planet norm in life-hunting.
While K2-18 b’s environment shows promise, its high-pressure icy mantle and potential heat present hurdles for life.
Data from two Webb transits equaled eight years of Hubble observations, demonstrating unparalleled sensitivity.
Confirming the presence of DMS would mark a paradigm shift in understanding extraterrestrial life potential.
NASA aims to refine observations, unlocking more secrets of K2-18 b and paving the path toward discovering life beyond Earth.