Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Scientists have identified a gas called dimethyl sulphide (DMS) on the distant exoplanet K2-18b, a substance believed to be exclusively produced by living organisms on Earth.
On Friday, NASA's James Webb Telescope embarked on a mission to investigate potential signs of alien life on K2-18b, marking a significant step in the search for extraterrestrial life.
DMS, primarily sourced from phytoplankton in Earth's marine environments, was detected in trace amounts on K2-18b, sparking surprise among researchers.
Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge, leading the study, expressed initial shock and cautious optimism about the discovery, highlighting its potential implications.
K2-18b, discovered in 2015, orbits the star K2-18 in the Leo constellation, with a mass 8.6 times that of Earth and a radius 2.6 times larger.
Initial data suggests the presence of DMS with over 50% confidence, though further conclusive evidence is required to confirm its origin on K2-18b.
Earlier findings indicated carbon-bearing molecules on K2-18b, hinting at its classification as a "Hycean exoplanet" potentially harboring a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and ocean-covered surface.
Ongoing theoretical work will delve deeper into the origins of DMS on K2-18b, with results expected in four to six months, promising to potentially revolutionize our understanding of habitable exoplanets and life beyond Earth.