James Webb's observations of an ocean world discovered in 2017 suggest carbon molecules are present in the planet's atmosphere.
suggest that traces of both carbon dioxide and methane have been discovered in the atmosphere of K2-18 b. The planet was already intriguing enough because it is located within the habitable zone of its star system. The habitable zone of a star system is defined when a planet orbits within a small area of space that allows for the existence of liquid water.
These areas are typically when the planet is not too hot or too cold, allowing for liquid water and other possible factors of life to exist. The fact that the Webb telescope discovered evidence of carbon molecules is exciting. But what is really exciting is that Webb observed everything here without detecting ammonia, which helps bolster the possibility that K2-18 b is, in fact, an ocean world.
The initial research here also suggests that a molecule known as dimethyl sulfide could be present in the atmosphere. Here on Earth, this molecule is only produced by life, which could mean some form of phytoplankton is living in the oceans of K2-18 b. Of course, that’s all based on the evidence that is presented in these new details, and none of it has been proven with scientific certainty.
The possibility that life could exist on this ocean world is exciting, though, and certainly something for Webb enthusiasts to look forward to.
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