NASA denies rumors about life on the planet, but does not rule out future discoveries
In recent years, rumors have arisen in the scientific circles of astronomy and astrobiology about the potential discovery of a planet with signs of life. According to these rumors, the «James Webb»Space Telescope» was able to discover such a planet.
These rumors first became known to the general public when the British magazine The Spectator published an article with the headline «We've just discovered aliens?» However, according to Betteridge's law of headlines, the answer to the question in the headline was no.
However, scientists continue to ask questions about the possibility of detecting extraterrestrial life. The Spectator article contains quotes from British scientists expressing hope for obtaining convincing evidence of the existence of biomarkers on an exoplanet. Also, British astronaut Tim Peake noted that potential results indicating the presence of biological life may already have been detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, but have not yet been confirmed publicly due to the requirement for absolute certainty. < /p>
According to their statement from NASA, there is no definite evidence of life on the exoplanet yet. However, future observations from the telescope are expected to provide initial data on potential biomarkers that will help determine the likelihood of life. Additional research and missions will be required to definitively determine the viability of the planet.
One of the most interesting planets to explore is K2-18 b. This planet, located 120 light-years from Earth and 8.6 times more massive than Earth, could conceivably have «hydroxene» nature with oceans of water and an atmosphere rich in hydrogen. Data from the James Webb Space Telescope showed the presence of the organic compound dimethyl sulfide, which is released by phytoplankton in the Earth's oceans in the process of life.
The presence of dimethyl sulfide on planet K2-18 b is not direct evidence of life, but it is of interest and hope to scientists. However, a final answer requires more data and possibly the use of new tools in future research. Science is rarely quick and final, but it eventually arrives at the truth.