Astronomers have discovered potential signs of a biosignature on an exoplanet named K2-18b, located 124 light-years from Earth. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, the team detected chemical fingerprints in the planet’s atmosphere that suggest the presence of dimethyl sulfide or DMS, and potentially dimethyl disulfide or DMDS. These molecules are typically only produced by microbial life on Earth, such as marine phytoplankton.
K2-18b is considered a Hycean world, a potentially habitable planet covered in liquid water with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Lead study author Nikku Madhusudhan believes that this scenario best fits the data they have observed. While the findings are promising, experts caution that more data is needed before confirming the existence of life on the planet.
The team’s observations have reached the three-sigma level of significance, indicating a 0.3% probability that the detections occurred by chance. However, a five-sigma threshold is required for a definitive scientific discovery. Further observations and analysis will be necessary to validate the presence of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide on K2-18b.
While the discovery raises excitement about the possibility of finding life beyond Earth, experts emphasize the need for caution and additional data before making definitive conclusions. The study team plans to release their data for validation by other independent groups, and future observations with Webb telescope will help confirm the presence of biosignatures on K2-18b.
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