The strongest evidence of life on an exoplanet has been found by scientists.
A planet orbiting a red dwarf star with a liquid water ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. This category may be a fit for the exoplanet K2-18 b based on observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Scientists have obtained using the the James Webb Space Telescope that they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting in an exoplanet’s atmosphere the chemical fingerprints of gases that on Earth are produced only by biological processes. Two gases are observed in the planet named K2-18 b are dimethyl sulfide or DMS, and dimethyl disulfide or DMDS - which are generated on Earth by living organisms, primarily microbial life such as marine phytoplankton algae.
K2-18 b is 8.6 times as massive as Earth and has a diameter about 2.6 times as large as our planet.
It orbits in the “habitable zone” - a distance where liquid water, a key ingredient for life, can exist on a planetary surface - around a red dwarf star smaller and less luminous than our sun, located about 124 light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). One other planet also has been identified orbiting this star.
K2-18 b is part of the “sub-Neptune” class of planets, with a diameter greater than Earth’s but less than that of Neptune, our solar system’s smallest gas planet.
To ascertain the chemical composition of an exoplanet’s atmosphere, astronomers analyze the light from its host star as the planet passes in front of it from the perspective of Earth, called the transit method. As the planet transits, Webb can detect a decrease in stellar brightness, and a small fraction of starlight passes through the planetary atmosphere before being detected by the telescope. This lets scientists determine the constituent gases of the planet’s atmosphere.
How reliable are the findings?
The scientists published their findings in the peer-reviewed Astrophysical Journal Letters publication, which means that other experts in the field who studied their paper found it convincing.
But that does not mean that the scientists have found irrefutable evidence of life. Far from it.
Scientist Madhusudhan acknowledged that it is possible that the traces of DMS and DMDS found in the atmosphere of K2-18b are the outcome of chemical phenomena that are as of now, unknown to humanity.
Is there other evidence of extraterrestrial life?
The findings of the Cambridge-led team follow a series of breakthroughs in recent years that have excited scientists about the possibilities of finding life beyond Earth.
In 2011, NASA scientists announced that they had found chemicals that are components of DNA on meteorites that had landed in Antarctica. The chemical traces they had discovered couldn’t have been the result of contamination after the meteorites landed on Earth. The only explanation – that asteroids and comets could contain the building blocks of life. A year later, astronomers at Copenhagen University tracked down a sugar molecule in a distant star system. That molecule is an essential component of ribonucleic acid or RNA, a molecule that is critical for most biological functions. In 2023, astronomers found traces of organic molecules in the gases around one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus. In mid-2024, scientists identified five greenhouse gases that they said would be telltale signs of life on any other planet.
About the Creator
Preyonjit Chakraborty
My heartiest gratitude to all. I am a writer and musician. Basically I write on aero-science, art, content, spirituality and history related topics. I want to be a great writer. I will try to make people pleased with my writing qualities.
Keep reading
More stories from writers in Earth and other communities.
India Faces Hotter, Drier February, Threatening Winter Crops
India is experiencing an unusually hot and dry February, raising serious concerns for winter crops and food production across several key agricultural regions. Meteorological officials have warned that higher-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall could negatively affect wheat, mustard, pulses, and other rabi (winter) crops that are currently in critical growth stages. The abnormal weather pattern has alarmed farmers and policymakers alike, as agriculture remains a backbone of India’s economy and food security. Experts say the shift in climate conditions reflects a growing trend of unpredictable weather linked to climate change. Unseasonal Heat Raises Alarm According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in many parts of northern and central India have been recorded several degrees above the seasonal average. Regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh—major wheat-producing states—have experienced persistent heat waves earlier than usual. February is typically marked by mild temperatures that help crops mature gradually. However, rising heat can speed up crop development, reducing grain size and overall yield. “This kind of temperature spike during the grain-filling stage can significantly affect wheat productivity,” said an agricultural scientist at a government research institute. “If the heat continues, farmers could face major losses.” Impact on Wheat and Other Crops Wheat, India’s most important winter crop, is particularly vulnerable to heat stress. The crop requires cool conditions during its growth phase, especially in February and March. Prolonged warmth can shorten the maturity period and lead to lower output. Mustard and chickpea crops are also at risk. Farmers report that plants are drying faster than usual, forcing them to increase irrigation at a time when water availability is already limited in many districts. In rain-fed areas, the situation is even more concerning. Without sufficient rainfall, soil moisture levels are dropping rapidly, threatening crop health and increasing production costs. Farmers Express Growing Concern Across rural India, farmers are voicing anxiety about the impact of the weather on their livelihoods. Many say they were expecting favorable conditions after a challenging monsoon season in some regions. “We planted our wheat on time, but the heat came too early,” said a farmer from Uttar Pradesh. “Now we have to irrigate more, which costs money. If the yield drops, our income will suffer.” Some farmers are already considering harvesting early to reduce losses, though this can further compromise grain quality. Agricultural unions have urged the government to prepare compensation measures if crops fail and to ensure timely support for affected communities. Government and Scientific Response The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation. Officials from the agriculture ministry have held meetings with meteorological experts to assess the possible impact on national food supplies. Advisories have been issued to farmers recommending efficient water management, use of protective irrigation methods, and adjustments in fertilizer application. Agricultural extension workers are visiting villages to guide farmers on coping strategies. Scientists are also studying whether this heat wave is linked to broader climate patterns such as El Niño and long-term global warming trends. “Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent,” said a climate researcher. “India’s agriculture is highly sensitive to temperature changes, and adaptation strategies must be strengthened.” Economic and Food Security Implications India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of wheat and rice. Any significant reduction in winter crop output could affect domestic food prices and global markets. Higher temperatures could also worsen inflation, especially for food items such as wheat flour, cooking oil, and pulses. Economists warn that rising food prices would put pressure on low-income households already struggling with the cost of living. The government has previously imposed export restrictions during poor harvest years to stabilize domestic supplies. Similar measures could be considered if crop damage becomes widespread. Climate Change and Long-Term Risks Experts say the current weather anomaly highlights the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change. Over the past decade, India has seen more frequent heat waves, erratic rainfall, and unseasonal storms. Climate models predict that winters will become shorter and warmer, making traditional farming calendars less reliable. To address this, researchers are developing heat-resistant crop varieties and promoting climate-smart farming techniques such as drip irrigation, soil moisture conservation, and diversified cropping patterns. However, large-scale adoption of these methods remains a challenge due to financial and infrastructure constraints in rural areas. International Perspective India’s situation mirrors challenges faced by other major agricultural nations dealing with rising temperatures and drought conditions. From Europe to South America, farmers are adjusting to increasingly unstable weather systems. Global organizations have emphasized the need for stronger cooperation on climate adaptation and food security policies. “The Indian case is a reminder that climate change is no longer a future threat—it is happening now,” said an international food policy expert. What Lies Ahead Weather forecasts suggest that higher temperatures may persist into March, increasing uncertainty for farmers. Any unexpected rainfall or a return to cooler conditions could still help reduce damage, but confidence remains low. The government is expected to review crop conditions later this month and may announce relief measures if significant losses are confirmed. For now, millions of farmers remain dependent on how the weather unfolds over the coming weeks. Conclusion India’s hotter and drier February has placed winter crops under serious stress, threatening agricultural output and farmer incomes. With wheat and other key crops at risk, the situation underscores the fragile link between climate and food security. As authorities monitor developments and farmers attempt to adapt, the episode serves as a warning of the growing impact of climate change on one of the world’s largest agricultural systems. Whether through improved forecasting, resilient crops, or stronger support policies, India faces an urgent need to prepare for a future of more extreme and unpredictable weather.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohia day ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.