Signs of Life Discovered on Exoplanet
Scientists have found possible signs of life on K2-18b, a distant planet 124 light years away, after detecting chemicals that are only produced by living organisms on Earth.
K2-18b, a planet that orbits around a red dwarf star in the constellation Leo, was found to have gasses such as dimethyl sulfide. This gas is only known to be produced by living organisms on Earth such as planktons.
The chemicals were found by NASA’s most powerful telescope, the James Webb Telescope, which is used to study distant planets using infrared light. Researchers from the University of Cambridge used this tool to look closely at K2-18b and found gases such as carbon dioxide, which can be sourced from living things. K2-18b also has the traits to possess and sustain a water-covered surface, which is crucial for life.
This discovery marks a step forward in the search for extraterrestrial life, as the chemicals are known on Earth to be only produced by living things. Although this is not conclusive evidence yet, it is the strongest so far, meaning that life could be blooming on the planet if the evidence holds true.
Scientists say they need more data to be sure, and are currently investigating if the chemicals could be produced without living organisms. If future observations confirm that living organisms are needed, it could change how the world sees life. Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, lead researcher from the university’s Institute of Astronomy said, “if we confirm that there is life on K2-18b, it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy.”
This discovery brings researchers closer to answering one of the biggest questions in science: are humans on Earth alone in the universe? With more research and better technology, we may soon learn whether this universe is truly home to alien life.
Sources:
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/see-k2-18bs-host-sun/#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20researchers%20using,light-years%20away%20in%20Leo.