The exoplanet K2-18b is found in the habitable zone of the red dwarf star K2-18, which is around 120 light-years distant from Earth.
Astronomers have put forth a hypothesis suggesting that K2-18b might belong to the category of Hycean exoplanets, a theoretical type of exoplanet known for having atmospheres rich in hydrogen and large water bodies.
"Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations," said Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and lead author, in an official release.
Not only that, but the Webb telescope found clues of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide . DMS is exclusively produced by living organisms on Earth, with phytoplankton emitting the vast majority of it in marine habitats. Although the team asserts that further data is required to confirm the existence of these molecules.
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