Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has ignited fresh optimism in the quest to detect signs of life on exoplanets beyond our solar system.
The space telescope has recently unveiled tantalizing clues that suggest the presence of life on a remote celestial body known as K2-18b, situated a staggering 120 light-years away, prompting a surge of excitement among scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
K2-18b, alternatively referred to as EPIC 201912552 b, is an exoplanet that revolves around the red dwarf star K2-18, situated at a distance of 124 light-years from Earth. This exoplanet, initially detected using the Kepler space telescope, possesses a mass approximately eight times that of Earth, consequently earning its nickname as Mini-Neptune.
James Webb's remarkable discovery points to the potential existence of a gas that could be produced by simple marine organisms inhabiting the atmosphere of K2-18b.
Professor Catherine Heymans, Scotland's Astronomer Royal during an interview with BBC, underscored the immensity of the Universe and emphasized that our advanced technology now empowers us to seek intelligent life beyond our own planet.
K2-18b has been classified as a prospective Hycean exoplanet, a celestial body that may boast a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an entire surface blanketed by an ocean, as indicated by NASA's findings.
Orbiting a cool dwarf star called K2-18 within the habitable zone, K2-18b's orbital characteristics render it an especially captivating subject for in-depth investigation.
K2-18b's categorization as a mini-Neptune underscores the unique nature of exoplanets that fall between the sizes of Earth and Neptune, setting them apart from the planets within our own solar system.
Astronomers are broadening their search for potential life by considering larger Hycean worlds, recognizing their suitability for conducting detailed atmospheric observations and assessments.
James Webb's groundbreaking observations have identified a significant presence of methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18b's atmosphere, along with a possible detection of dimethyl sulphide (DMS), a molecule intrinsically linked to life on Earth.
The research team is committed to confirming these initial findings over the next year, with plans to explore more Goldilocks planets. The endeavour continues even in the absence of conclusive life signs, as such outcomes could yield valuable insights into the potential for life on distant celestial bodies.