A team of astronomers from the University of Cambridge recently made headlines with their claim of finding the “strongest hints yet of biological activity beyond the Solar System.” The researchers suggest that certain molecules in the atmosphere of the distant planet K2-18b could have been produced by living organisms.
Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team identified potential traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound linked to bacteria, in the planet’s atmosphere. K2-18b may also have dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), another compound that could indicate life. Both molecules are associated with marine phytoplankton on Earth. By analyzing starlight filtering through the planet’s atmosphere, the team detected imprints of these compounds.
K2-18b, a planet located about 124 light-years from Earth, is roughly twice Earth’s size, orbits a red dwarf star, and has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Computer models suggest it could harbor a warm ocean beneath its surface where microbes might release DMS.
However, the claim has sparked skepticism. Astronomer Stephen Schmidt of Johns Hopkins University found no evidence of biosignature molecules after re-examining the data. He described the data as “pretty noisy” and suggested the findings could be statistical fluctuations. Other scientists pointed out that DMS can also be produced by non-biological processes, such as volcanic activity, lightning, or comet dust.
While K2-18b may not yet confirm extraterrestrial life, the discovery adds to the growing interest in exoplanets. If one such world is found to support life, it could reshape our understanding of the universe and our place within it. For now, the search continues. Telescopes will keep watching, and the universe may soon give a clearer answer. Until then, keep your eyes on space news; the next big clue could pop up any day.