Overview

• Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18 b, gases produced on Earth only by living organisms.
• These findings represent the strongest evidence yet of potential microbial life on an exoplanet, though researchers caution they are not definitive proof of life.
• K2-18 b, located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo, is classified as a 'Hycean world' with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and potential global oceans.
• The detection of DMS and DMDS was achieved with a 99.7% confidence level, but further observations and independent verification are required to rule out non-biological explanations.
• The discovery is a significant step in astrobiology, showcasing the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze exoplanet atmospheres for potential biosignatures.