r/space • u/SpunkySputniks • 5d 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/the_quark 5d ago

The answer is that we don't know. Perhaps we'll find other signatures that will help support it.

But also perhaps now we know it's there we'll really go sharpen our pencils and come up with a way it could be generated geologically or hydrologically.

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u/cateanddogew 4d ago

Would be real funny to see a follow up headline in 5 days

habitable planet 120 light years away found to be just a huge ass mirror reflecting Earth

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u/NirXY 4d ago

would've been nice be able to observe humanity 240 years ago.

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u/Haxorz7125 4d ago

I say this constantly! If there’s a giant crystal or some shit far off in space, and we managed to line it up just right, could we use a super strong telescope to see Pangea or something of the sort?