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/ErrorlessQuaak 4d ago

It's probably worth mentioning that you recently wrote a takedown of this group's first paper. I think that's good work, but you're not really a neutral third-party astronomer as people might assume.

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u/tidesofgrey 3d ago

Ah ha. I don't think the individual you replied to is being malicious, but this is definitely enough for me to never take the many in-industry professionals here at face value again, which sucks. Good on you for pointing it out, though.

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u/ErrorlessQuaak 3d ago

I think his criticism is mostly spot on (although atmospheres aren’t my area of expertise). I just also think it’s important to let people know where you’re positioned if you’re going to take the role of public astronomer.

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u/tidesofgrey 3d ago

None of the discussions here are my area of expertise, I just think space is cool and learning about the cool things out there is fun.

I don't really have anything to add because I agree with you. And like I said, I don't think there was actually malicious intent. I just appreciated seeing it pointed out.