Out of This World: Could That Distant Dot Be Breathing?

Astronomers have presented the strongest case yet for life outside of Earth, having detected chemical signatures in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, 124 light-years away. Researchers, assisted by the James Webb Space Telescope, detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS)—a molecule that on Earth is created nearly exclusively by aquatic life—along with other molecules in the planet's hydrogen-rich atmosphere. K2-18b, weighing nearly nine times the mass of Earth and revolving in its star's habitable zone, may harbor a warm ocean teeming with life, lead researcher Nikku Madhusudhan said.

 

While the discovery is groundbreaking, scientists are urging caution: additional observations are needed to confirm if the biosignatures truly represent life or the result of unknown chemistry. Nevertheless, the discovery represents a major advancement in the search for habitable worlds and the age-old question—are we alone in the universe?

 

Source: Deccan Chronicle, The New York Times, Space.com, CNN