An astronomer team led by the Cambridge University Has the Chemical by Possible signs of life on a planet outside the solar system. Use data from James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), identified the molecules sulfide of Dimetil (DMS) and/or Dimethyldisulfide (DMDs) in the atmosphere of the Exoplanet K2-18BThat Job in the habitable zone of his star.
On earth, These molecules are only produced by living organisms” Mainly marine microorganisms such as phytoplankton. Although it is possible that an unknown chemical process is behind his presence K2-18b” These results so far represent the strongest evidence that could be there live on a planet beyond the solar system.
The observations have reached a level of statistical significance of three Sigma, indicating one Probability of only 0.3% that the finding is the product of coincidence.
In order to be considered a scientific discovery, the five -Sigma threshold must be reached, equal to a chance of less than 0.00006% that the result is coincidental. Researchers estimate that between the extra 16 and 24 hours of observation with JWST could be sufficient to reach that level.
The most important researcher, Nikku Madhusudhan, has confirmed that the finding shows that ‘we are not alone in the universe’
The analyzes suggest that it would be a planet with a surface covered by an ocean “full of life”.
British researchers have found the strongest evidence until the time of the life in an exoplanetDue to the presence of chemicals produced by organisms such as bacteria.
This is a study by experts from the Cambridge University (Southeast of England), who have evaluated the information obtained by the James Webb Space TelescopeThat observes the Exoplanet K2-18Bconvenient 124 Light of the earthA distance that I would need 187,000 years to get into spacecraft.
Scientists who publish this research in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letterswith 99.7 % certainty, the existence of life has been able to determine, But 99,9994 % must be achieved to cover a definitive explanation of life outside the earth.
Two and a half and a half times the earth’s surface
The telescope is able to detect the chemical composition of K2-18b when it turns around his starConsidered very small compared to our sun.
According to researchers, the James Webb It has been able to detect Dimetil Sulfide (DMS) and Dimethyldisulfide (DMDS)Gases that are generated on earth by marine fytoplankton and bacteria.
The most important researcher, Nikku Madhusudhanfrom the Cambridge Astronomy InstituteHe confirmed that the finding brings humanity to prove that We are not alone in the universe And he suggested that the planet can be «live over«.
«If we confirm that there is life in K2-18B, we would in principle confirm that life in the Melkweg is very common“He pointed to the BBC.
Madhusudhan hopes to demonstrate the existence of extraterrestrial life in the near future And he admitted that he felt encouraged by the amount of gas that his team found in one observation, so Wait to confirm whether there will be a life within a year or two.
«Therefore, if the association with life is real, this planet will be full of life«, Has insisted on it.
An immense ocean ‘full of life’
The analyzes suggest that it would be a planet ‘hycean’, with the potential to have one Hydrogen -rich atmosphere and a surface covered by one Ocean “full of life”.
Water vapor is also detected, with temperatures that can support life.
«It is important that we are deeply skeptical with regard to our own results, because we are only trying to reach the point to have faith in it. This is how science should work, “the scientist said.
«Within decades we were able to look back on this point and acknowledge that it was when the universe was alive within our reach. This could be the turning point, where suddenly the fundamental question whether we are alone in the universe is one that we can answer“He marked.