Researchers discover information on life on exoplanet K2-18b!
Researchers discover information on life on exoplanet K2-18b!
K2-18b, 120 Lichtjahre entfernt, Exoplanet - scientists have discovered remarkable substances on the exoplanet K2-18B that could indicate possible ways of life. This fascinating planet is about 124 light years from Earth and was identified in 2015 using the Kepler Weltpaum Telescope. He circles a red dwarf star called K2-18 in the Lion constellation and is located in the habitable zone of his star, which creates the requirements for liquid water. This could be crucial for the existence of life.
The decisive results of the study were published in the specialist journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters . An international team of researchers identified specific sulfur compounds in the atmosphere of the planet, namely dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide, which are produced on earth exclusively by sea algae, in particular phytoplankton. This discovery is made by using the state-of-the-art James Webb telescope, which enabled a detailed analysis of the atmospheric composition of K2-18b.
chemical indications of life
K2-18B has more than eight times the ground mass and presumably consists of similar basic elements as the terrestrial planets in our solar system. This new knowledge has the potential to enliven the search for extraterrestrial life, since the chemical compounds found could indicate biological activities. Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge emphasizes that this references to possible biological activities are of significant relevance, but he emphasizes that further observations are necessary to verify the results.
In addition, other molecules such as methane and carbon dioxide were also discovered. This indicates that K2-18B could even be a Hycean planet, which means that it has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, with a surface that is potentially completely covered with water. As early as 2019, the Hubble telescope found water vapor in the atmosphere of the planet, which supports the possibility of water in liquid form.The way to make decisive discoveries
The current finds have re-lived in interest in K2-18b and inspired the curiosity of the scientists. However, extensive further observations with the James webb telescope are required for the final confirmation of the discoveries. The research team plans to review these findings and to further deepen in the future in order to decisively promote the search for life on habitable exoplanets.
The discovery on K2-18B could thus revolutionize the understanding of the conditions for life outside of the earth and offers exciting perspectives for the future of astronomical research.
For detailed information on the results, please read the articles on Kosmo , ZDF and 20 minutes .
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| Ort | K2-18b, 120 Lichtjahre entfernt, Exoplanet |
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