Photo Credit:Associated Press
In a solar system 120 light-years from Earth, a group of astronomers announced that they had discovered what they believe to be the most promising indication of extraterrestrial life on a massive planet called K2-18b.
Analysis of the planet's atmosphere appears to confirm the presence of a molecule that is known to exist only in living things like marine algae on Earth, according to The New York Times, which cited a news conference from the researchers.
While the research is encouraging and indicates that K2-18b is covered by a warm, life-filled ocean, Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge, stated that it is in no one's interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life.
However, the professor does not wish to downplay the importance of the finding. This is a moment of revolution, Dr. Madhusudhan continued. Humanity has never before seen possible biosignatures on a habitable planet.
This is the strongest evidence yet that there is possibly life out there, he told the BBC, referring to the potential timeline of additional discovery. In all likelihood, we will be able to verify this signal in a year or two.
Furthermore, given the universe's infinite size, if the team can demonstrate that life exists on K2-18b, it will have a significant impact on subsequent discoveries.
If we confirm that there is life on K2-18b,” Dr. Madhusudhan added, “it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy.
According to him, If there is one example, and the universe being infinite, there is a chance for life on many more planets.
Researchers warn that space enthusiasts and UFO truthers should not get ahead of themselves, even though the news is encouraging.