LONDON (Agencies): In a breakthrough that could reshape humanity’s understanding of life in the universe, a research team led by the University of Cambridge has detected potential signs of life in the atmosphere of a planet located 124 light-years from Earth. The discovery was made through the James Webb Space Telescope, the most advanced space observatory ever deployed.
The planet in question, K2-18b, orbits within the habitable zone of its star and is classified as a “Hycean” world—meaning it may possess oceans and a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. The most intriguing aspect of the finding is the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)—gases on Earth that are produced almost exclusively by biological processes, primarily marine microorganisms.
Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, the lead scientist on the project, emphasized the significance of the finding while cautioning that it is not yet conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life. “We are seeing promising indicators, but further investigation is essential before we can confirm anything,” he said.
The research team is now calling for additional observations to confirm the presence and origin of the gases. Scientists warn that while the presence of DMS and DMDS is promising, it is also possible that unknown non-biological processes could be responsible for the chemical signatures.
Experts agree that the discovery marks a major milestone in the search for life beyond Earth. With its unique conditions—including a potentially vast ocean and an atmosphere conducive to complex chemistry—K2-18b is now one of the most promising candidates for the discovery of extraterrestrial life.
The findings have sparked global scientific interest and reignited discussions about the future of interstellar exploration. As new observations are planned, the world watches closely for what could be one of the most important discoveries in modern science.