Exploring the Possibility: Discovering Potential Signs of Extraterrestrial Life on Planet K2-18 b

2023-09-17 13:36:36
The idea of ​​the existence of living organisms in outer space has long occupied scientists, and much research has been conducted to discover any signs or indications of the existence of life outside our planet. Days following the Mexican Congress displayed bodies that researchers claimed were aliens, NASA announced its discovery of indicators that may be a sign of the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. What did the discovery include? According to a new paper to be published in the Astrophysical Journal, the James Webb Telescope has discovered the presence of a chemical compound on a distant exoplanet called K2-18 b, which is produced only by living organisms on Earth. Although the James Webb Telescope has been known for its accuracy in detecting molecules such as carbon dioxide and methane before, scientists say that the discovery of the molecule known as dimethyl sulfide, or DMS, is still preliminary and requires more research, analysis, and data collection. The discovery of compounds on other planets is not new. Years ago, researchers announced that they had discovered “phosphine” molecules in the atmosphere of Venus, but upon further analysis, the possibility of the existence of life on its surface was ruled out. The importance of planet K2-18 b: This planet is located under the planet “Neptune”, and its mass is regarding 8.6 times the mass of Earth. It is a type of planet covered by a moderate ocean, and its atmosphere is rich in hydrogen. Scientists see this planet as an ideal place for the possibility of life on its surface, as water vapor has previously been discovered in its atmosphere. The planet K2-18 b is also located in the habitable zone within its system known as the “Hessian world,” which is a promising system and scientists place hopes on it for discovering life outside the planet. Scientists say that even if future research disproves the idea of ​​the existence of life on this planet, it will suffice as strong proof of the accuracy of the James Webb Space Telescope. The paper’s lead author, Nico Madhusudan, points out in a NASA press release that the ability to discover these distant worlds and planets would have been impossible only a short time ago. He explained: “Our primary goal is to discover life on planets outside the solar system, which might reshape our understanding of our place in the universe.” He continued: “Our recent results are a step towards this understanding and achieving greater knowledge regarding the Hessian worlds.”
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