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Potential Biosignatures Detected on Exoplanet K2-18b

James Webb Space Telescope identifies dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide at 3σ significance, fueling debate over possible life on this Hycean world.

By looking at earthquake data and imaging deep rock deformations, scientists found Earth’s crust is peeling away beneath the Sierra Nevada's central region, which includes Yosemite National Park (seen above).
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K2-18b showed strongest signs of alien life

Overview

  • Researchers at the University of Cambridge detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18b using JWST's mid-infrared instrument.
  • DMS and DMDS are primarily produced by biological processes on Earth, but scientists are exploring abiotic pathways to explain their presence on K2-18b.
  • The detection reached a 3σ statistical significance, indicating a 99.7% probability the signal is real, but further observations are needed to confirm it at the 5σ threshold.
  • K2-18b is classified as a Hycean world, with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a potential global water ocean, making it a promising candidate for life.
  • The findings highlight the capabilities of JWST in exoplanet research while sparking scientific debate over the interpretation of biosignature signals.