NASA detects molecule on another planet that can only be produced by life
NASA detects molecule on another planet that can only be produced by life: The planet, K2-18b, is about 120 light years from Earth
"NASA scientists have detected evidence of possible life on a planet over 100 light years away.
The space agency's James Webb Space Telescope discovered a molecule called dimethyl sulphide, or DMS, on the distant planet, which on Earth can only be produced by life, according to a report from the BBC.
'On Earth, DMS is only produced by life. The bulk of it in Earth's atmosphere is emitted from phytoplankton in marine environments,' University of Cambridge Profesor Nikku Madhusudhan, who led the research, told the BBC."
"The discovery marks the first time astronomers have detected possible DMS in a planet orbiting a distant star, according to the report.
Along with the discovery of DMS, NASA researchers say they have also detected methane and CO2 in the planet's atmosphere, a sign the planet could be the home of a water ocean.
The planet, named K2-18b, is located about 120 light years away and is almost nine times the size of Earth. The distant planet had already ticked all the boxes researchers generally look for when evaluating whether a planet can support life, including its temperature, the presence of carbon and potentially liquid water."Â
This is an exciting discovery, but I'm remaining cautiously optimistic for now. Detecting dimethyl sulfide in K2-18b's atmosphere is intriguing evidence that life could exist on this distant exoplanet. However, scientists will need to gather more proof before we can definitively say this gas is a sign of aliens. While the presence of methane and liquid water strengthen the case, there's still a chance non-biological processes could be generating these compounds. We simply need more research on K2-18b's atmospheric chemistry to draw firmer conclusions. As someone fascinated by the search for extraterrestrial life, findings like this get my hopes up. But I know we have to be patient while astronomers continue studying this fascinating world that's 120 light years away. I'm eager to see what future observations reveal about the potential for life beyond Earth!