Astronomers Detect a Signature of Life on a Distant Planet
Astronomers Detect a Signature of Life on a Distant Planet
A team of researchers reports what it contends is the strongest indication yet of extraterrestrial life on K2-18b, a planet 120 light-years from Earth. An analysis of the exoplanet’s atmosphere using the James Webb Space Telescope suggests an abundance of dimethyl sulfide, a molecule that on Earth is only produced by living organisms. While the finding is described as revolutionary, other scientists urge caution, emphasizing that further research is needed to confirm if the planet is habitable and to rule out non-biological sources for the molecule.
Note
to learn so much about a place so distant with so few clues (okay, a lot of data, given the astounding telescopes we have now... but in the grand scheme of things, it also feels small)
and yet, how many science articles will need to include a clause that future research is or will essentially be stopped due to divestment.
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