JOURNAL ARTICLE

Alien planet's atmosphere bears chemical hints of life, astronomers claim.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Clery, Daniel 3 of 3

Abstract

A recent study using NASA's JWST telescope suggests that the distant exoplanet K2-18b may have gases in its atmosphere linked to life on Earth, such as dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. However, caution is advised as these gases could also be produced by nonbiological processes. K2-18b, discovered in 2017, is larger than Earth and more similar to a gas giant like Neptune, making it an unlikely candidate for extraterrestrial life. Researchers emphasize the need for more data and a high standard of evidence before claiming the presence of life based on gases in a planet's atmosphere. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/04, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:184630672
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