123

Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b (www.nasa.gov)

submitted 1 year ago by very_well_lost@lemmy.world to c/space@lemmy.world

11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

A new investigation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, has revealed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide. Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

It’s probably the mix of all the gasses (including the dimethyl sulfide tentative finding) that makes it exciting. Methane isn’t a bio-signature on its own.

this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2023

123 points (99.2% liked)

Space

8345 readers

317 users here now

Share & discuss informative content on: Astrophysics, Cosmology, Space Exploration, Planetary Science and Astrobiology.

Rules

Be respectful and inclusive.
No harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
Engage in constructive discussions.
Share relevant content.
Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
Use appropriate language and tone.
Report violations.
Foster a continuous learning environment.

Picture of the Day

The Busy Center of the Lagoon Nebula

Related Communities

🔭 Science

🚀 Engineering

🌌 Art and Photography