In a breakthrough announcement, scientists revealed that they have found the strongest evidence yet of potential life beyond Earth, based on new observations of the distant exoplanet K2-18b.
Located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo, K2-18b is more than twice the size and eight times the mass of Earth. The planet orbits within its star’s habitable zone, where conditions could allow liquid water to exist — a critical ingredient for life as we know it.
Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, a research team led by Professor Nikku Madhusudhan at the University of Cambridge detected key molecules in the planet’s atmosphere: dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide. On Earth, these compounds are produced almost exclusively by marine phytoplankton and certain types of bacteria.
Researchers estimate there is a 99.7% probability that the detection of these molecules points to biological processes, making it the strongest indication of extraterrestrial life ever recorded.
“This is a historic milestone in our search for life beyond Earth,” Madhusudhan said in a statement. “The presence of DMS and related compounds gives us compelling reasons to believe biological activity could exist elsewhere in the universe.”
However, scientists stress that the findings are not yet definitive proof of life. Alternative explanations, such as unknown geological or chemical processes, could also account for the presence of these compounds. Further observations and analysis will be necessary to confirm the discovery and rule out non-biological sources.
The discovery has reignited excitement in the scientific community and beyond, underscoring the importance of continued investment in space exploration and advanced astronomical technology.
“This is exactly why we build these telescopes,” said NASA administrator Bill Nelson. “We are getting closer than ever to answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone?”
For now, K2-18b remains one of the most promising candidates for life beyond Earth, and scientists plan to study it even more closely in the months ahead.