Detection of Potential Biosignature Gases: Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b.
Significance of DMS and DMDS: On Earth, these gases are primarily produced by biological processes, making their detection a potential indicator of extraterrestrial life.
K2-18b Details: This “super-Earth” exoplanet, located 120 light-years away, is about nine times as heavy as Earth and resides within its star’s habitable zone where liquid water could exist.
Previous K2-18b Discoveries: Earlier observations from the Hubble Telescope and JWST had already indicated the presence of water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.
Cautionary Note: Scientists emphasize that the detection of these gases does not definitively prove the existence of life on K2-18b. Abiotic processes or unknown chemistry might be responsible for their presence.
Habitable Zone: K2-18b’s location within the habitable zone, where liquid water can exist, makes it a compelling target in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Statistical Argument for Life: The vast number of planets in the universe increases the statistical probability of life existing elsewhere, even if the origin of life is rare. The Drake equation is used to consider the probability of intelligent, communicative extraterrestrial life, even if uncertain.
Ongoing Search: The presence of these gases makes K2-18b an interesting subject for further scientific investigation in the field of astrobiology.
