Results for: K2-18b

Initial observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) hinted at the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of a distant Earth-like planet, K2-18b. However, a new study suggests that the signal could be from methane clouds, casting doubt on the earlier claims of potential life detection. The study models the behavior of DMS in hydrogen-rich atmospheres and finds itunlikely that JWST could distinguish between DMS and methane in the specific wavelengths it examined. However, the team remains hopeful, as JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) may be more capable of detecting DMS and clarifying the planet’s composition.

Located approximately 110 light-years from Earth, K2-18b is a planet that has recently gained attention due to its potential resemblance to Earth and the possibility of it supporting alien life. Research conducted by the University of Toronto, based on data from the European Southern Observatory (ESO), suggests that K2-18b could be a larger version of our planet. However, there is still limited information available about its characteristics, leaving much of its nature to speculation. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether K2-18b is tidally locked, meaning that one side of the planet permanently faces its star, creating distinct day and night sides with a twilight zone in between.