The main character here is dimethyl sulfide, a molecule produced by many ocean denizens, but especially plankton.
Or at least emitting suspiciously life-like chemical signals.
The curious mix suggests K2-18b hosts a watery, potentially habitable environment.
An artist’s concept of K2-18b.Illustration: NASA, CSA, ESA, J. Olmstead (STScI), N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University)
The teams findings arepublishedin The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Speaking to the BBC, Madhusudhansaidhis team detected a surprising amount of gas during the single observation.
A 5-sigma detection (roughly 99.99994% confidence) is typically the gold standard for confirming a discovery.
A graphic showing earlier molecular detections in K2-18b’s atmosphere. Graphic: Illustration NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI), Joseph Olmsted (STScI) Science Nikku Madhusudhan (IoA)
Theres still a chance that abiotic (non-biological) processes or instrumental quirks could be responsible.
Further observations will help to validate the teams findings.
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