Rapid Method Discovered by Scientists to Detect Extraterrestrial Life. Potential Habitable Exoplanet Identified.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), currently orbiting approximately a million miles away from Earth, is making groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of astrobiology. This powerful telescope, five times the surface area of its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, is equipped with mirrors that work like powerful pupils, collecting even the faintest light from far away galaxies.
One of the JWST's latest findings revolves around the exoplanet K2-18b. Nikku Madhusudhan, Ph.D., has stated that the traces of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) on K2-18b could be the 'first hints we are seeing of an alien world that is possibly inhabited.' DMS is a gas produced by fungi, algae, and bacteria on Earth and is believed to be a sign of potential life.
The discovery of methyl halides on K2-18b provides new hope for the search for life on the planet. Methyl halides are gases that could indicate the presence of microbial life. If methyl halides are found on multiple planets, it could suggest that microbial life is common across the universe, according to Leung.
Researchers have identified several likely candidates for Hycean planets, which offer a much clearer signal for the JWST to observe. These planets, larger than Earth, aren't shrouded by atmospheric noise and telescopic limitations like Earth-like planets are. The researchers specifically point to two exoplanets, K2-18b and TOI-270d, as potential candidates for study using the JWST.
Emma Frederickson, a science editor who enjoys covering topics like climate change, conspiracy theories, and weird biology, has been following the JWST's progress with great interest. Prior to her work as an editor, Emma was a freelance science reporter. In her spare time, she can often be found hopping between coffee shops in search of the world's best oat milk cappuccino. Emma graduated from Pace University with a degree in communication and media.
However, not everyone is convinced by the evidence for the presence of DMS on K2-18b. Other researchers have disputed these findings, calling for further investigation to confirm the discovery. Despite this, scientists suggest using the JWST to search for biosignatures, particularly methyl halides, as a way to potentially find signs of life outside our own planet.
The JWST's light is recorded in binary code and translated into images upon returning to Earth. As the JWST continues to peer back into the depths of time and space, it promises to revolutionise our understanding of the universe and potentially answer one of humanity's most enduring questions: Are we alone?
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