But not everyones convinced.
Because in astrobiology, the line betweeninterestingandextraordinaryis razor thin.
The following responses were lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
Is the recent detection of dimethyl sulfide a sign of life on another planet? We asked the experts.© Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
This is not my expertise.
3 and 4 are closer to my expertise.
Here, K2-18 b presents a particular challenge to life.
This is a very interesting new dataset.
We need more astronomers on this case as soon as possible!
Currently, Im intrigued but cautious about the potential presence of these molecules on K2-18 b.
Even if DMS or DMDS are present, we must be very careful in treating them as biosignatures.
Weve only just begun to ask questions about the abiotic background on this kind of planet.
Lets digest these new results and get to work.
Nikku Madhusudhan
An astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the recent study.
Ignas Snellen
Anastrophysicistat Leiden University and an expert on extrasolar planets.
The whole thing is completely blown out of proportions.
The research team finds bumps in their spectrum.
There could be dozens of molecules (if real), or even cloud features.
What do the authors do?
They just look whether DMS could cause this (and add DMDS).
They ignore the dozens of other species [i.e.
non-biological sources of molecules] that could cause this bump and call it a day.
If I had been the referee, I would have stopped this publication right there.
There is no reason to invoke astrobiology, let alone call it the biggest breakthrough or whatever.
Most reporters are writing a piece where they say something like however, not all scientists are as convinced… you could quote me on that.
Sara Seager
A planetary scientist at MIT specializing in extrasolar planet atmospheres.
This planet needs more work to get there.
you could be sure that others are working on ways DMS can be produced without life.
I appreciate peoples enthusiasm.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Has the Dire Wolf Truly Been Resurrected?
