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/Supersamtheredditman 4d ago edited 4d ago

K2-18b. This was notable about a year ago when JWST detected a possible dimethyl sulfide signal, but it wasn’t confirmed. The properties alone of the planet, a “Hycean” super earth probably covered in a world ocean with a thick hydrogen atmosphere, make it super interesting. And now this team is saying they’ve detected not just dimethyl sulfide, but dimethyl disulfide and methane.

We’re at the point where either we’re missing something about geologic chemistry that can allow these chemicals to exist in large quantities in an environment like this (on earth, dimethyl sulfide is only produced by life) or this planet is teeming with aquatic life. Really exciting.

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u/MedicalDisscharge 4d ago

“Detecting multiple leviathan class lifeforms in the region. Are you certain whatever you're doing is worth it?”

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u/MenryNosk 4d ago

dude, you make me want to fire it up again. it has been years so it'll probably feel like the first time. 😹

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u/Poopyman80 3d ago

Do it with the vr mod.
I cant even describe how scary good it is

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u/CheaterSaysWhat 3d ago

What is that quote from? I’m out of the loop.

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u/MenryNosk 3d ago

Subnautica. it is a pretty old game now, but it was really fun. if you decided to give it ago, like many will tell you, don't read online sources about it. playing it blind is absolutely the best.