NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has revealed one of the strongest evidences of humanity’s loneliness in the universe. In the atmosphere of the planet K2-18b, 124 light-years away, two sulfur-based molecules, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), were detected that are directly related to life on Earth. These compounds may point to a biological origin as they are produced by microorganisms.
Strongest evidence of extraterrestrial life detected
The discovery is based on spectroscopic data obtained by filtering starlight through the atmosphere as the planet passes in front of its host star. Measurements, especially at mid-infrared wavelengths, showed that these gases were present at a high concentration of 10 parts per million. When compared to natural levels on Earth, this density seriously raises the possibility of life.
K2-18b belongs to a class of planets called ‘Hycean’. The fact that this planet has about 8.6 times the mass and 2.6 times the diameter of Earth may make it an interesting target both in terms of habitability potential and observational interest.
Current observations are at the statistical ‘three sigma’ level. This means that the probability of the signal being random is around 0.3 per cent. However, for a discovery to be considered ‘certain’ in the scientific community, this value must drop to five sigma (0.00006%).
This discovery will radically change the view of the possibility of life in the universe. So what do you think about this subject? Please share your views with us in the comments section below.
