A planet more than 100 light years away from Earth could be “teeming with alien life” after the “strongest ever signs of extraterrestrial life” were detected in the universe
A leading scientist has suggested that an ocean planet could be “brimming with extraterrestrial beings,” following a groundbreaking discovery. Planet K2-18b, situated some 120 light years from Earth, has shown potential signs of life, according to Professor Nikku Madhusudhan of Cambridge University’s Institute of Astronomy, who utilised NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for his research.
In a conversation with the BBC, he remarked: “This is the strongest evidence yet there is possibly life out there. I can realistically say that we can confirm this signal within one to two years.”
The planet’s atmosphere is believed to contain crucial molecules associated with life – dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide – similar to those produced on Earth by marine phytoplankton and bacteria.
Professor Madhusudhan observed that the gas levels detected were “thousands of times higher than what we have on Earth” during just one observation period, reports the Daily Star.
He elaborated: “So, if the association with life is real, then this planet will be teeming with life. If we confirm that there is life on k2-18b it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy”.
Looking to the future, he speculated: “Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognise it was when the living universe came within reach.
“This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one we’re capable of answering.”
The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, delve deeper into the discoveries made – with the researcher asserting that his observations were “in line” with prior predictions.
He further bolstered his assertion that the planet might be brimming with extraterrestrial life.
He penned: “Earlier theoretical work had predicted that high levels of sulfur-based gases like DMS and DMDS are possible on Hycean worlds.
“And now we’ve observed it, in line with what was predicted.
“Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have. The signal came through strong and clear.”
Supporting his statement, report co-author Måns Holmberg, from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, remarked: “It was an incredible realisation seeing the results emerge and remain consistent throughout the extensive independent analyses and robustness tests.”