Carbon Dioxide and Methane Found on the So-called “Livable” Exoplanet: It Is Very Similar to Earth

The James Webb Space Telescope, which has been in Earth orbit since January 2022 and has been providing striking data about the depths of space since then, has made a discovery that will hit the agenda like a bombshell. The telescope managed to make brand new detections about the exoplanet named K2-18b, which was first discovered in 2015, and enabled space scientists to reach important conclusions about K2-18b.

K2-18b, located approximately 120 light years away, was classified as a “habitable planet” long ago. The latest study by the James Webb Space Telescope revealed that carbon-containing methane gas and carbon dioxide molecules are present in the atmosphere of this planet. Experts say that the latest discovery supports the idea that there may be a giant ocean under the atmosphere of K2-18b. If this is truly the case, K2-18b will begin to be known as a planet covered with large oceans, just like Earth.

There’s more!

Methane and carbon dioxide are not the only discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope regarding K2-18b. The telescope found that the exoplanet may have a dimethyl sulfide component. However, this cannot be confirmed at this time. If dimethyl sulfide is detected as a result of the studies, this time there will be a brand new development regarding K2-18b. The component that spreads mostly from phytoplankton in the oceans on Earth will reveal proof that there is actually some form of life in K2-18b.

K2-18b, which is 8.6 times larger than Earth, is not as massive as Neptune. There is no similar situation in the Solar System. Although the exoplanet, described as a new Earth for astronomers, creates excitement even with this definition, there is a significant problem. NASA states that it is too early to get excited because there is a possibility that the oceans on this exoplanet may be too hot to live. Ongoing studies will allow us to get to know K2-18b more closely.