Archive · 29 May 2025
New Analysis Weakens Claim of Life on Exoplanet K2-18b
Scientists previously thought they might have found signs of life on a distant planet called K2-18b.
They saw hints of chemicals, like dimethyl sulfide, that can be made by living things on Earth.
However, new research looked at the same data from a big telescope and found the first study's claims not as strong.
It's now believed that these signals are weak and might be caused by other, non-living molecules.
The new research emphasizes that it's really tricky to tell different chemicals apart on planets that are so far away.
More careful checking is needed to know for sure if there is life on K2-18b.
Researchers re-analyzed James Webb Space Telescope data.
The original study suggested the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) as a potential biosignature.
The new analysis suggests that the DMS signal is weak and inconsistent.
Scientists are now cautious about the initial claims.
Distinguishing between molecules on exoplanets is very challenging.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Chicago led a new study.
- What
- A new study casts doubt on previous findings suggesting the presence of life on exoplanet K2-18b.
- When
- Recent follow-up research questions the initial findings.
- Where
- Data from the James Webb Space Telescope was used to analyze the exoplanet K2-18b.
- Why
- To assess the validity of prior claims of potential life on K2-18b.
New Study Findings
Original Study Findings
Evidence of DMS
New Study Findings
Reports indicate that the evidence for DMS is far less convincing and may be due to other, non-biological molecules like ethane. The new study has found the signals to be weak and inconsistent.
Original Study Findings
Initially suggested the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a potential biosignature, indicating possible life.
- Distance to K2-18b
- 124 light-years
- Exoplanet of Interest
- K2-18b
- Chemicals of Interest
- Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)
- Telescope Used
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
- Lead Research Institution
- University of Chicago