James Webb Telescope Founds Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b

In a groundbreaking development, scientists from Cambridge University have found the most promising evidence yet that life may exist beyond Earth. Their research, using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), identified life-associated molecules like dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of a distant exoplanet named K2-18b. Although these findings are not yet confirmed at the highest scientific certainty, they represent a crucial step in the search for extraterrestrial life and open new frontiers in astrobiology.

Key Points

What is K2-18b?

• An exoplanet located 124 light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo.
• 2.6 times the size of Earth; orbiting a red dwarf star.

Significance of the Discovery

• Researchers found potential biosignatures in K2-18b’s atmosphere.
• These include Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS) and Dimethyl Disulphide (DMDS) — gases produced by phytoplankton and bacteria on Earth.

Instrument Used

• Discovery made using James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
• The JWST analyses starlight passing through planetary atmospheres to detect chemical signatures.

Level of Certainty

• Current detection has three sigma (99.7%) certainty — not sufficient for scientific confirmation.
• For confirmation, a five sigma result (99.9999% certainty) is required.

Why It’s Important

• Presence of DMS and DMDS suggests possible life, especially marine-type microbial life.
• If confirmed, would be the first detection of extraterrestrial life and support the idea that life may be common in the galaxy.

Scientific Impact

• Represents a pivotal moment in astrobiology.
• May redefine our understanding of life in the universe if confirmed.

Publication

• Research findings published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.