Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Detected on exoplanet K2-18b, dimethyl sulphide (DMS), methane, and carbon dioxide challenge natural explanations, hinting at possible biological origins, says findings published by the James Webb Telescope team.
DMS, primarily produced by marine life on Earth, has baffled scientists. Its presence on K2-18b may suggest biological activity, though alternative explanations are being considered.
Situated in the habitable zone of its host star, K2-18b could harbor liquid water, making it a prime candidate for exploring potential life-supporting conditions.
The combination of methane, carbon dioxide, and DMS in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere raises questions about whether unknown geological or chemical processes could mimic signs of life.
Using advanced infrared spectroscopy, the James Webb Telescope analyzes the chemical makeup of distant atmospheres, detecting molecular signatures previously beyond reach.
Hydrogen-rich atmospheres like K2-18b’s could sustain microbial or alien life forms, making this discovery pivotal for redefining life’s possibilities beyond Earth.
Scientists caution against premature assumptions. DMS’s presence is intriguing but not definitive proof of life. Geological or unknown mechanisms could be at play.
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Collaboration between nations and institutions will be critical to further investigating K2-18b and applying these tools to study countless other exoplanets.
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The James Webb Telescope has not just detected anomalies but has also opened an entirely new realm of inquiry, pushing the boundaries of what we know about the cosmos.