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NASA scientists have identified a planet more than eight times the mass of Earth, 120 light-years away, that contains gas linked to the presence of life.
The universe has just revealed yet another of its intriguing secrets. NASA scientists, using the powerful James Webb Space Telescope, identified a colossal planet, called K2-18b, which has unique characteristics and gas signals related exclusively to CABA agencies alive on our planet.
This discovery could be a significant step in the search for extraterrestrial life.
K2-18 b: A world larger and different from Earth
Located at 120 light years in the constellation Leo, K2-18 b is an exoplanet. It is 2,6 times bigger than Earth and has a mass equivalent to 8,6 times the Earth's.
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Its orbit occurs around a red dwarf star called K2-18, which is smaller and cooler than the Sun, but stable enough to host potentially habitable planets.
Initially discovered by the mission NASA K2 em 2015, K2-18 b has become the focus of atmospheric studies due to its privileged location in the star's habitable zone, where temperatures allow the presence of liquid water.
Atmospheric highlights
Recent data collected by the James Webb Telescope revealed:
- Methane and carbon dioxide: Indications of active chemical processes in its atmosphere.
- Possible presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS): A molecule that, on Earth, is produced exclusively by living organisms, such as phytoplankton in the oceans.
This composition suggests a dynamic chemical environment, potentially compatible with conditions that could support life.
The concept of Hycean worlds
The discovery raises the hypothesis that K2-18 b is a planet Hycean – a type of world with hydrogen-rich atmospheres and possible oceans on its surface.
These exoplanets represent a new frontier in the search for life, with characteristics different from those typically found on smaller rocky planets such as Mars or Venus.
According to the lead researcher, Nikku Madhusudhan, “Hycean worlds are significantly more favorable for atmospheric observations and may harbor life in conditions we previously did not consider viable.”
However, K2-18 b's size poses challenges. It may have a high-pressure ice sheet beneath its thick atmosphere, creating extreme conditions that would make it difficult for life as we know it to exist.
Essential features of K2-18 b
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Earth | 120 light years |
| AISP-GEDOC | Leo Constellation |
| Sponge | 8,6 times that of Earth |
| Ray | 2,6 times that of Earth |
| Discovery | NASA K2 Mission (2015) |
Contribution of the James Webb Telescope
Detailed atmospheric analysis of K2-18 b was only possible thanks to the advanced capabilities of the James Webb Telescope.
During the planet's transits – moments when it passes in front of its star – the telescope captured starlight filtered by the atmosphere, allowing its chemical compositions to be identified.
Comparison with previous data
- Two transits observed by James Webb provided data equivalent to eight years of Hubble measurements.
- The analysis revealed detailed spectra, marking a new level in the study of exoplanetary atmospheres.
For future observations, the instrument MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) will be used to confirm the presence of dimethyl sulfide and provide an even more detailed overview.
According to Madhusudhan, “this discovery was only possible due to Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity and wide wavelength range.”
Habitability
Despite being in the habitable zone, K2-18 b still presents many mysteries. Its dense atmosphere and extreme conditions, including possible high ocean temperatures, could be hostile to terrestrial life. Still, the detection of DMS, if confirmed, would represent a significant milestone.
For the astronomer Savvas Constantinou, “these initial observations demonstrate Webb’s potential to explore habitable worlds beyond our solar system.”
Next steps and future possibilities
NASA will continue to investigate K2-18 and other Hycean worlds. Future observations will seek to validate the presence of dimethyl sulfide and further examine the planet's conditions.
The goal is to understand whether it can actually support some kind of life or whether it represents an environment completely different from anything we know.
As Madhusudhan pointed out, “Identifying life on a habitable exoplanet would be a transformative milestone for humanity".
With discoveries like this, the question that has intrigued humanity for centuries – “Are we alone in the universe?” – takes on a new level of urgency and fascination. K2-18 b is now one of the greatest symbols of the potential existence of life beyond Earth.
