New evidence discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope suggests the possibility of surface water on a massive planet located approximately 120 light-years away from Earth.

This investigation, conducted using one of the most advanced astronomical instruments, has unveiled intriguing characteristics of the exoplanet K2-18b, raising the prospect of it being capable of supporting water and potentially life.

K2-18b, which closely orbits the cool dwarf star K2-18, resides within the star’s habitable zone, often referred to as the “Goldilocks” zone, CNN reported.

It possesses a mass approximately 8.6 times that of Earth. Analysis of observations made by the Webb telescope has revealed the presence of abundant methane and carbon dioxide in the exoplanet’s atmosphere.

The detection of these carbon-containing molecules, combined with the scarcity of ammonia, suggests the possibility of an atmosphere rich in hydrogen enveloping an oceanic world, as stated in a NASA news release.

Carbon is recognized as a fundamental element for the formation of life on Earth.

Initial evidence of water vapor in K2-18b’s atmosphere was identified by the Hubble Space Telescope, which led scientists to focus on the exoplanet for further investigation in a study published in September 2019.

The Webb telescope, equipped to detect infrared light beyond the human eye’s range, was employed to determine the specific elements present in the planet’s atmosphere.

Additionally, the latest observations suggest the potential presence of a unique molecule called dimethyl sulfide on K2-18b.

Written by staff