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.
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