NASA has made a groundbreaking discovery: a planet larger than Earth that contains a gas typically associated with life.

This incredible find came last year and continues to amaze scientists worldwide.

NASA’s discovery of K2-18 b: A habitable exoplanet

The discovery was made possible by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

This telescope, launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, has provided many extraordinary findings. However, the discovery of K2-18 b in 2023 is particularly remarkable.

K2-18 b, also known as EPIC 201912552 b, orbits the red dwarf star K2-18. It is located 124 light-years away from Earth, with a radius 2.6 times that of Earth and a mass 8.6 times greater.

First spotted by NASA’s Kepler space telescope, the planet’s atmosphere was further explored using the Webb Telescope.

K2-18 b’s atmosphere and the potential for life

In 2023, Webb’s observations revealed that K2-18 b’s atmosphere contains carbon-bearing molecules, including methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery built upon earlier findings suggesting the planet could be a Hycean exoplanet—a type of exoplanet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean-covered surface.

NASA also identified a possible presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere. On Earth, DMS is only produced by life, specifically by phytoplankton in marine environments.

Coule K2-18 support life

NASA’s findings suggest that the combination of methane, carbon dioxide, and a lack of ammonia on K2-18 b supports the possibility of a water ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. The presence of DMS further hints at the potential for life.

However, the planet’s size could pose challenges for habitability. NASA noted that K2-18 b may have a large mantle of high-pressure ice, or its ocean may be too hot to support liquid water.

The future of K2-18 b research: searching for life

Cambridge University astronomer Nikku Madhusudhan emphasized the importance of considering diverse environments when searching for life beyond Earth.

Smaller, rocky exoplanets have traditionally been the focus.

However, larger Hycean planets like K2-18 b offer valuable opportunities for atmospheric study.

In April 2024, the Webb Telescope focused fully on K2-18 b to further investigate potential signs of life.

With eight hours of observation, scientists hope to confirm if DMS is present in significant amounts.

Madhusudhan concluded, “Our ultimate goal is the identification of life on a habitable exoplanet, which would revolutionize our understanding of the universe.”

The search for life on planets like K2-18 b represents a promising step in this exciting journey.

NASA’s discovery of K2-18 b is a major leap in the search for life beyond Earth. While challenges remain, the evidence of gases linked to life, like DMS, provides hope for future discoveries.