NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery, finding evidence of carbon-bearing molecules on the exoplanet K2-18 b. This distant world, located 120 light-years from Earth, is a potential habitat for life.
K2-18 b is a sub-Neptune exoplanet, meaning that it is larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. It orbits a cool dwarf star called K2-18 within the habitable zone, a region where liquid water could exist on the surface of a planet.
The discovery of carbon-bearing molecules on K2-18 b is significant because these molecules are often associated with life. Methane and carbon dioxide are two of the most common carbon-bearing molecules found in the atmosphere of Earth.
The presence of these molecules on K2-18 b suggests that the planet may have an atmosphere similar to that of Earth, and that it may have the potential to support life. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful telescope ever built, and it is uniquely suited to study exoplanets. The telescope's infrared capabilities allow it to see through the dust and gas that obscures many exoplanets from view.
The discovery of carbon-bearing molecules on K2-18 b is just the beginning of what the James Webb Space Telescope can do. The telescope is expected to make many more discoveries about exoplanets in the years to come.
This discovery is a major step forward in the search for life beyond Earth. It shows that the James Webb Space Telescope is capable of finding planets that could potentially support life. As the telescope continues to observe exoplanets, we will learn more about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.
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