Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope detected the chemical fingerprints of gases, which suggest the distant planet K2-18 b may be “teeming” with microbial life.
The two gases – dimethyl sulfide, or DMS, and dimethyl disulfide, or DMDS – involved in Webb’s observations of the planet are generated on Earth by living organisms, primarily microbial life such as algae.
K2-18 b is 8.6 times as massive as Earth and has a diameter about 2.6 times as large as our planet.
“The only scenario that currently explains all the data obtained so far from JWST (James Webb Space Telescope), including the past and present observations, is one where K2-18 b is a hycean world teeming with life,” Madhusudhan said.
In theory hycean worlds are covered by an ocean habitable by microorganisms and with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere (Photo: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan/University of Cambridge/via Reuters)
Madhusudhan noted that there are various efforts underway searching for signs of life in our solar system, including various claims of environments that might be conducive to life in places like Mars, Venus and various icy moons.
Scientists have hypothesized the existence of exoplanets called hycean worlds – covered by a liquid water ocean habitable by microorganisms and with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
Madhusudhan said that with hycean worlds, if they exist, “we are talking about microbial life, possibly like what we see in the Earth’s oceans.”
Other scientists have urged caution around the findings.
“Yet, we must be very careful to test the data as thoroughly as possible. I look forward to seeing additional, independent work on the data analysis starting as soon as next week.”
With agencies
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Scientists reveal strongest evidence so far of life on alien ocean planet )
Also on site :