2023-09-13 05:12:00
Scientists at the US space agency NASA have discovered a new planet, located 120 light-years from the solar system, and it likely has the ability to have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a surface covered with a water ocean. Scientists were able to examine the planet known as “K18-2b” with the help of the James Telescope. Webb spacecraft during their search for features of life outside the solar system. The Webb telescope has detected carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18 b, a potentially habitable world over 8 times bigger than Earth. Webb’s data suggests the planet might be covered in ocean, with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere: pic.twitter.com/yoXF3flsUl — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) September 11, 2023 NASA explained that the size of the discovered planet is regarding 8.6 times the size of Earth, indicating the presence of traces of carbon dioxide and methane in its atmosphere without detecting ammonia, which most likely indicates the presence of a water ocean under an atmosphere rich in hydrogen. The lead author of the research and scientist at the University of Cambridge, Nico Madhusudan, said, “The findings of the research It underscores the importance of considering diverse habitable environments when searching for life elsewhere. He added: “Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller, rocky planets, but the larger Hessian worlds are more suitable for atmospheric observations.” The US agency says there is dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of K18-2B, which exists on Earth only as a byproduct of life that originates mainly through phytoplankton in marine environments. If the presence of this compound is proven conclusively, it will be considered one of the most dangerous. Exciting discoveries in the search for extraterrestrial life. Show related news In addition, Madhusudan stressed: “Upcoming Webb Telescope observations should be able to confirm whether dimethyl sulfide is indeed present in the atmosphere of K18-2b at significant levels.” NASA noted that the planet’s occurrence in The habitable zone and the fact that it contains carbon-bearing molecules does not necessarily mean that the planet can support life, as the planet’s large size indicates that its interior may contain a large mantle of high-pressure ice, like Neptune. Since the new planet has an atmosphere rich in hydrogen, scientists suggested the presence of oceans. of water in the Hessian worlds, but it is also possible that the ocean is too hot to be habitable or liquid.
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