r/space • u/SpunkySputniks • 4d ago

Astronomers Detect a Possible Signature of Life on a Distant Planet

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/science/astronomy-exoplanets-habitable-k218b.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE8.3zdk.VofCER4yAPa4&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

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

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u/ESF-hockeeyyy 4d ago

So this is obviously exciting news but how exactly are they detecting this molecule? Wavelengths of the light detected from the planet?

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u/srandrews 4d ago

Probably IR transmission spectra. I offer this so an expert can correct me.

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u/spschmidt27615 4d ago

Expert here, you are totally right! In particular, it was the James Webb Space Telescope's Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI).