According to reports, a group of Cambridge University astronomers has found evidence of extrasolar biological activity. The researchers have discovered that the far-off planet, K2-18 b, possesses many molecules in its atmosphere that may have been produced by life.
K2-18 b is a planet smaller than Neptune, according to Nature.com. The distance between it and Earth is 38 parsecs.
Since living things produce the dimethyl sulphide (DMS) chemical, there have been conjectures regarding the possibility of life on this far-off planet. To conduct their investigation, the scientists made use of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Additionally, the finding was made when a molecule was found in the starlight that was passing through the atmosphere of the planet. Because they are produced by living things on Earth, these compounds have piqued the interest of astronomers.
It was in 2023 when this revelation was first made public. Nevertheless, the follow-up on similar observations has led to the current discovery. This time, the scientists supported their discovery of molecules on the far-off planet with a research technique and distinct wavelengths.
Scientists Discover A New Habitable Earth-size Planet
Scientists have spent decades researching extraterrestrial life. At this point, the data points to the possible presence of DMS or DMDS on K2-18 b.
This will be a historic victory for the scientists if it is confirmed. Additionally, this discovery is a step toward a more comprehensive knowledge of planets. throughout total, almost 5,800 planets have been found throughout the universe.
Scientists, however, are skeptical of this finding because they question if K2-18 b is barren or whether DMS or DMDS are indeed there.
The knowledgeable group of scientists from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom is putting a lot of effort into providing a solid foundation to back up their results, even though some of the researchers are not sure about the discovery.
