Could we be on the verge of answering the biggest question in the universe—are we alone?
Astronomers say a distant planet called K2-18 b might be dropping hints.
It’s 124 light years away, nestled in the Leo constellation.
New data from the James Webb Space Telescope just picked up two eyebrow-raising molecules: dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS).
On Earth, these are only made by living things—mainly, ocean-dwelling plankton.
“This is the strongest evidence to date for biological activity beyond our solar system,” said Prof. Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge, cautiously excited.
He’s leading the team that spotted the signal.
What Does It Mean?
But as he put it, “we have to question ourselves… what it means.”
Of course, not everyone’s ready to pop the cosmic champagne.
Some experts say K2-18 b could be a gas giant, or even an ocean of magma—not exactly fish-friendly.
Still, the molecular signatures were “strong and clear,” says Madhusudhan, and could be the first real glimpse of a “living universe.”
No, we won’t be swimming in alien seas anytime soon.
But maybe—just maybe—something out there is already swimming in theirs.
