NASA has recently made a remarkable discovery that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts.
Using the advanced James Webb Telescope, they have detected an exoplanet double the size of Earth, accompanied by a gas that is typically associated with the presence of life.
They discovered a planet called K2-18b or EPIC 201912552b, which orbits a red dwarf star named K2-18.
This planet resides in what NASA calls the "habitable zone," where conditions may be suitable for life.
K2-18b is located about 124 light years away from Earth and is much larger than our planet, with a radius 2.6 times that of Earth and a mass 8.6 times greater.
The initial discovery of this exoplanet was made by NASA's Kepler space telescope in 2009, but it was the James Webb Telescope that provided more detailed information about its atmosphere.
Scientists who investigated K2-18b found something intriguing last year.
They discovered carbon-containing substances like methane and carbon dioxide on the planet. These substances are important because, on Earth, they are typically created by living things.
This discovery suggests the potential existence of life in this faraway world.
However, the gases alone on K2-18b don't ensure the presence of life as we recognize it.
The high levels of methane and carbon dioxide, along with the lack of ammonia, indicate the possibility of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere above a water-covered ocean.
Interestingly, on Earth, most of the identified dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas, which is also found on K2-18b, comes from marine phytoplankton, an intriguing similarity.
While the discoveries are amazing, scientists warn about potential obstacles for life on K2-18b due to its large size.
There is speculation that the planet's interior might consist of a thick layer of high-pressure ice or that its ocean could be too hot to support life or maintain liquid form.
To further investigate the potential for life on K2-18b, the James Webb Telescope has dedicated eight hours of observation to this intriguing exoplanet.
Scientists hope to confirm the presence of dimethyl sulfide at significant levels, which would provide further evidence of the planet's potential habitability.
