‘Strongest sign of aliens’: James Webb Telescope discovers an exoplanet with gases produced by living beings on Earth, scientists suggest otherwise
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Discovery of DMS Gas
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has reportedly detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away. This gas is considered a strong indicator of potential life due to its exclusive production by living organisms on Earth.
Unique Atmospheric Clue
DMS gas, identified on Earth primarily from marine phytoplankton, has no known abiotic sources, making its presence on K2-18b a significant finding in the search for extraterrestrial life. However scientists are skeptic and believe it is just methane gas.
Launch and Arrival of JWST
Launched by NASA on December 25, 2021, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana, JWST reached its designated solar orbit near the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point in January 2022. Its groundbreaking capabilities promise unprecedented insights into distant celestial bodies.
Milestone in Space Exploration
Since its arrival, JWST has provided scientists with extensive data on exoplanets, stars, and galaxies, advancing our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Scientific Caution
While initial data suggests the presence of DMS on K2-18b with more than 50% confidence, researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to confirm the findings and establish conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Future Telescope Observations
The JWST is poised to intensify its scrutiny of exoplanets, focusing on distant solar systems to delve deeper into the tantalizing clues that could indicate the presence of life beyond our solar system.
Astrophysicist’s Perspective
Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, lead astrophysicist from Cambridge University, underscores the preliminary nature of the findings, highlighting the ongoing scientific quest to unravel the mysteries of alien life.
Upcoming Scientific Endeavors
Following the exciting discovery on K2-18b, astronomers anticipate further revelations from JWST that could reshape our understanding of life’s potential diversity across the universe.