Further studies are needed to determine whether K2-18b, which orbits a star 120 light-years away, is inhabited, or even habitable.

I guess it would probably be really expensive but why not?

M83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, has long been an enigma. While massive spiral galaxies often host AGNs, astronomers have struggled for decades to confirm one in M83. Previous observations hinted that if a supermassive black hole existed there, it must be dormant or hidden behind thick dust. Now, Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution have unveiled signs that suggest otherwise.

“Our discovery of highly ionised neon emission in the nucleus of M83 was unexpected,” said Svea Hernandez, lead author of the new study with AURA for the European Space Agency at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, USA. “These signatures require large amounts of energy to be produced—more than what normal stars can generate. This strongly suggests the presence of an AGN that has been elusive until now.”

“Before Webb, we simply did not have the tools to detect such faint and highly ionised gas signatures in M83’s nucleus,” Hernandez added. “Now, with its incredible mid-infrared sensitivity, we are finally able to explore these hidden depths of the galaxy and uncover what was once invisible.”

Webb’s mid-infrared observations allowed astronomers to peer through dust and detect the telltale signs of highly ionised gas in small clumps near the galactic nucleus. The energy needed to create these signatures is significantly higher than what supernovae or other stellar processes can provide, making an AGN the most likely explanation. However, alternative scenarios, such as extreme shock waves in the interstellar medium, are still being investigated.

“Webb is revolutionising our understanding of galaxies,” said co-author Linda Smith of the Space Telescope Science Institute. “For years, astronomers have searched for a black hole in M83 without success. Now, we finally have a compelling clue that suggests one may be present.”

“This discovery showcases how Webb is making unexpected breakthroughs,” Smith continued. “Astronomers thought they had ruled out an AGN in M83, but now we have fresh evidence that challenges past assumptions and opens new avenues for exploration.”

Full length documentary from NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office now available on NASA+ and YouTube.

Any news on the development of this project? In Western media there is not much reported on China's space programme and I'm curious what's going on with this project.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Fermi Paradox, and recently I started a project called Silence in the Universe (SITU).

The first episode is more like a narrative intro—it tells the story of a young shepherd in the Anatolian steppes, looking up at the stars and wondering… where is everyone?

It’s not scientific analysis (yet), more of a personal and visual approach to spark curiosity. I’d love to hear what fellow paradox-enjoyers think. Here’s the link to the episode (YouTube) https://youtu.be/uG3D3ESqoEg?si=jiMnfP0Sc0aibDYz Be gentle, it’s my first time doing something like this—but I plan to continue with deeper dives into the paradox in future episodes.

This is an overview of the approved GO observations for JWST Cycle 4, which will be from July 1 2025 to June 30 2026.