Astronomers expect more observations from the James Webb Telescope, but are excited about the observatory’s ability to capture biomarkers
Astronomers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have found possible signs of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on a planet eight times larger than Earth. Earth and that is out of the Solar system (exoplanet). This molecule is an indicator of biological activity, that is, of life.
While this is encouraging news after all, the answer to the question “are we alone?” is the focus of exoplanet research, the signal is “weak” and, according to the researchers involved, further observations are needed to understand the “possible atmospheric and internal processes involved”. The results were published in the scientific journal The letters from the astrophysics diary and used data from the James Webb Space Telescope.
“Our ultimate goal is to identify life on a habitable exoplanet, which would transform our understanding of our place in the Universe. Our findings are a promising first step in that direction,” said Nikku Madhusudhan, astronomer and lead author of the article, at the door of the editorial office of the University of Cambridge.
As demonstrated by EstadaoTHE abundance of methane and carbon dioxide, along with the shortage of ammonia, captured by scientists support the hypothesis that there may be a water ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere on this distant planet. Unlike the DMS signature, these other molecules appeared more clearly in the analysis.
However, there are uncertainties about its ability to host life. NASA explains that the planet’s large size means its interior “probably contains a large, high-pressure ice sheet” like Neptune, but with “a thinner, hydrogen-rich atmosphere and ocean surface.” “It is possible that the ocean is too warm to be habitable or liquid.”
Source: Terra
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