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Spectra of K2-18 b, obtained with Webb’s NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) displays an abundance of methane and carbon dioxide in the exoplanet’s atmosphere, as well as a possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The detection of methane and carbon dioxide, and shortage of ammonia, are consistent with the presence of an ocean underneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere in K2-18 b.

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Spectra of K2-18 b, obtained with Webb’s NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) displays an abundance of methane and carbon dioxide in the exoplanet’s atmosphere, as well as a possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The detection of methane and carbon dioxide, and shortage of ammonia, are consistent with the presence of an ocean underneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere in K2-18 b.
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Corey S Powell (coreyspowell@mastodon.social)'s status on Tuesday, 12-Sep-2023 09:07:42 JST Corey S Powell

New observations boost the case that alien world K2-18b is a "Hycean exoplanet," a warm water world with a thick atmosphere. And there *might* be a hint of something even more exciting--a chemical sign of life.
#science #JWST #life
https://webbtelescope.org/contents/news-releases/2023/news-2023-139

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