JWST detects potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2‑18b

April 17, 2025, 10:20 am

Recent observations using the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed promising chemical signatures—including dimethyl sulfide—on exoplanet K2‑18b, located approximately 120–124 light‑years from Earth. Researchers suggest that these biosignatures, which are typically associated with biological processes on Earth, may indicate the presence of life-friendly conditions. The findings mark a potential breakthrough in astrobiology, as they represent some of the strongest evidence yet of possible extraterrestrial life, warranting further detailed study.

Bluesky: @arstechnica.com, @wired.com

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A team of Cambridge researchers studying the atmosphere of a planet called K2-18b discovered chemical signatures of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS). The molecules are tied to biological life, produced by marine phytoplankton and bacteria here on Earth.Read Entire Article

reuters.com / Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet

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cbc.ca / Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet

In a potential landmark discovery, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have obtained what they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting in an alien planet's atmosphere the chemical fingerprints of gases that on Earth are produced only by...

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JWST detects potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2‑18b

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