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NASA Discovers Potential for Life on Distant Planet K2-18b

**Title:** NASA Scientists Discover Potential Signs of Life on Distant Planet

**Subtitle:** Mirror Websites Prohibited on Chinese Platforms

**H2** Preliminary Evidence of Life on Planet 100 Light Years Away

**H3** Dimethyl Sulfide Molecule Detected by Webb Space Telescope on Planet K2-18b

NASA scientists have recently uncovered a groundbreaking finding that suggests the presence of potential life on a planet located 100 light years away. This discovery marks a significant milestone in space exploration. However, mirror websites on Chinese platforms are strictly prohibited due to regulatory constraints.

According to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), astronomers using NASA’s Webb Space Telescope have detected a unique molecule called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on the distant planet K2-18b. This molecule is exclusively produced by living organisms on Earth, primarily by phytoplankton in marine environments.

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge, who led the study, emphasized the significance of this finding. He stated, “DMS is only generated by life on Earth. Its presence on the planet K2-18b suggests the possibility of biological activity beyond our planet.” This is the first time scientists have detected potential signs of DMS on a planet orbiting a distant star.

Furthermore, NASA researchers have also identified the presence of methane and carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere, hinting at the existence of an ocean. These observations strengthen the belief that Planet K2-18b possesses the essential conditions required to sustain life, such as suitable temperatures, the presence of carbon, and the potential for liquid water.

Planet K2-18b, situated approximately 120 light years away from Earth, is approximately nine times the size of our own planet. Its composition aligns with the criteria typically sought by researchers when assessing a planet’s habitability.

The confirmation of DMS on this planet would be an extraordinary achievement. Mandersultan, a prominent expert, stressed the need for additional responsible research to verify this groundbreaking discovery.

NASA’s Webb Space Telescope analyzes distant planets by examining the light that passes through their atmospheres, revealing the unique chemical fingerprints of various molecules. By analyzing the resulting spectrum, scientists can decipher the composition of a planet’s atmosphere.

The initial detection of water vapor on K2-18b by NASA’s Hubble Telescope led to the subsequent study conducted by the Webb Space Telescope.

Dr. Marcy, a deputy director of research at the Royal Astronomical Society in London, expressed his excitement regarding the potential discovery. He believes that humanity is gradually edging closer to unraveling the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe. Marcy optimistically stated, “I have hope that one day we will find concrete evidence of extraterrestrial life.”

Notably, this distant planet, unlike typical Earth-like rocky planets, supports the category known as “sub-Neptunes.” These planets, more commonly found in the Milky Way, possess unique atmospheres and remain largely unexplored. The nature of their atmospheres, which may contain essential molecules, remains an intriguing field of study for scientists.

In conclusion, NASA’s groundbreaking discovery of potential signs of life on the distant planet K2-18b has amazed researchers worldwide. Despite regulatory limitations, responsible research remains pivotal to validate these findings. The quest to uncover the mysteries of the universe and explore the possibility of life beyond Earth continues to captivate scientific minds.

**H2** Mirror Websites Prohibited on Chinese Platforms

In a different domain, it is important to highlight that the creation of mirror websites on Chinese platforms faces legal restrictions. Regulatory guidelines strictly forbid the establishment of such platforms. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure a smooth operation of online activities.

Planet K2-18b orbits a cool dwarf star (shown in red). (Image source: NASA) When viewing Chinese websites, setting up mirror websites is prohibited.

[Gwyliwch China, Medi 18, 2023]NASA scientists have discovered preliminary evidence that life could exist on a planet 100 light years away. Creating mirror websites on Chinese websites is prohibited.

According to the BBC British Broadcasting Company, NASA’s Webb Space Telescope discovered a molecule called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on the distant planet K2-18b. Only life on Earth produces this molecule.

“On Earth, DMS is produced only by life. Most of it in the Earth’s atmosphere is released by phytoplankton in the marine environment,” said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge, who led the study, to the BBC.

The discovery marks the first time astronomers have detected the possible presence of DMS in a planet orbiting a distant star, the report said.

NASA researchers said that in addition to DMS, they also detected methane and carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere, suggesting that the planet may be home to an ocean.

Planet K2-18b is about 120 light years away from Earth and is about nine times the size of Earth. The distant planet already meets all the conditions researchers usually look for when assessing whether a planet can support life, including temperature, the presence of carbon and the potential for liquid water.

Mandersultan told the BBC that confirming the presence of DMS on the planet would be a “big deal” and that more responsible research was needed.

The Webb Space Telescope assesses distant planets by analyzing the light passing through their atmospheres, which contain the chemical signatures of molecules. “Details can be interpreted by splitting light into its component frequencies, much like a prism creates the spectrum of a rainbow. If part of the resulting spectrum is missing, it has been absorbed by chemicals in the planet’s atmosphere, allowing researchers to discover its composition.” The BBC reported.

Initially, NASA’s Hubble Telescope detected the presence of water vapor on K2-18b, leading to Webb’s study of the planet.

Marcy, deputy director of research at the Royal Astronomical Society in London, told the BBC he was excited about the potential discovery.

“We are slowly moving towards being able to answer the big question of whether we are alone in the universe,” he said. “I am hopeful that one day we will find signs of life. … Maybe that’s it, maybe in 10 or even 50 years we will be There will be convincing evidence, and this is the best explanation.”

What is even more interesting is that this planet is different from Earth-like planets, so-called rocky planets, which are found orbiting distant stars that are candidates for life.

Exoplanets are planets that orbit other stars that are between Earth and Neptune in size and unlike any planet in the solar system. Another member of the analysis team, Dr Sarkar from Cardiff University, said that this means that not much is known about these “sub-Neptunes” and the nature of their atmospheres.

“Although no such planets exist in the solar system, sub-Neptunes are the most common type of planet known in the Milky Way,” he said. Enabling us to calculate the molecules present in its atmosphere.”

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