Scientists Discover Hint of Life on a Distant Plan

Scientists from Cambridge University on another planet called K2-18b, 124 light years away. The scientists’ research leads them to believe that there is a 99.7% chance that the molecules they see indicate the presence of life.

K2-18b, an exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star twice the size of Earth, was spotted with the James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope detected chemical fingerprints that are primarily produced by microbial life on Earth, such as algae, seaweed, or marine phytoplankton. These molecules are not the only evidence of life on K2-18b. Scientists have detected unique chemical patterns similar to those produced by Earth’s algae and seaweed- raising the possibility of a warm ocean, perhaps blooming with life.

However, even if there was life on the distant planet, it would be challenging for us to communicate with them. Any signal sent to the planet would not be returned for at least 248 years due to the vast distance between Earth and K2-18b.

This new discovery of the strongest hint of life on K2-18b could impact the future generations. In fact, these future generations may even end up living on a different planet that is 124 light years away.

Citations:

Sullivan, Mike. “Scientists Find Evidence of Life on Distant Planet, Harvard Professor Says Questions Remain.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 18 Apr. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/evidence-life-distant-planet-k218b/.

“Scientists Detect Strongest Hints yet of Life on a Distant Planet.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 17 Apr. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/news/world/scientists-strongest-hints-life-distant-planet-rcna201683.